System and Method for Communicating Vending Information

ABSTRACT

A system and method for communicating vending information is provided. The system includes a plurality of vending apparatuses, each containing a vending inventory comprised of vendible media products, and a control center in communication with the plurality of vending apparatuses configured to receive user information. The user information can include a vending request for a vendible media product and a location identifier. The system is further configured to select a vending apparatus from the plurality of vending apparatuses based on the location identifier, determine whether the requested vendible media product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending apparatus, and transmit an electronic message to a user-specified electronic mail address upon determining that the requested vendible media product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending machine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/110,101, filed on Apr. 25, 2008, entitled“System and Method for Communicating Vending Information” which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/409,516,filed on Apr. 21, 2006, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,366,586,entitled “System and Method for Communicating Vending Information” whichclaims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/674,011,filed Apr. 22, 2005. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/110,101 alsoclaims priority from, and is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/767,065, filed on Jun. 22, 2007, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 7,584,869, entitled “Article Dispensing System and MethodFor Same”, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/824,781, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,234,609, entitled “Article Dispensing System and Method for Same.” Thecontents and subject matter of all of the above-identified patentapplications and patents are hereby incorporated by reference theirentirety herein and made a part of the present specification.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a system and method for communicating vendinginformation for a vendible media product having entertainment contenttherein. More particularly the present invention provides a method fordetermining whether a vendible media product is in a first location andtransmitting inventory data indicating whether the vendible mediaproduct is in a second location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is often described herein with reference toa digital video disc distribution system, an application to which thepresent invention is advantageously suited, it will be readily apparentthat the present invention is not limited to that application and can beemployed in article dispensing systems used to distribute a wide varietyof dispensable articles.

The digital video disc (DVD) player has been the most successfulconsumer electronics product launch in history. The market for DVD movievideo and video game rentals is enormous and growing. Millions ofhouseholds have acquired DVDs since they were introduced in 1997. In thefirst quarter of 2003 alone, it was estimated that well over threemillion DVD players were shipped to U.S. retailers.

Shipments of movies and music videos on DVD totaled approximately onehundred twenty million discs in the first quarter of 2002. In additionto the foregoing, one of the largest grocery store chains in the UnitedStates has reported that DVD movie video and video game rentals aregrowing at rapid rates in the grocery chain channel of distribution.

It has been estimated that, by 2005, more than thirty-nine million U.S.households will have DVD players, over twenty million households willhave DVD video game machines, and over nineteen million will have DVDread only memory (DVD-ROM) players. According to surveys, it has beendetermined that twenty-five percent of the people who shop at retailstores on weekends have plans to either rent a movie or go to the moviesand thirty percent of those people either owned or planned on purchasinga DVD player within the survey year.

Currently, brick-and-mortar stores dominate the movie video and videogame rental landscape in the U.S. Statistics show that twobrick-and-mortar companies control nearly sixty-five percent of the homevideo rental business. One element repeatedly cited for success ofcertain brick-and mortar store video rental franchises is perceived highavailability of new video releases. Consumers want their entertainmenton demand, and through stocking multiple units of each new release,successful brick-and-mortar companies deliver as promised.

Pay-per-view video services and Internet-based video rental services arealso known. Internet based video rental services have been plagued bytheir inability to meet the demands of consumers for new video releasesduring peak viewing times, leading to increased customerdissatisfaction. Pay-per-view video services offer only limitedselections to viewers during any time period, resulting in significantlyless rentals per any given period of time.

The foregoing indicates that there is a tremendous market potential foraligning regular routines of consumers (e.g., shopping, getting coffeeor gas or going to a convenience store) with their DVD movie video andvideo game rental activities.

DVD dispensing machines are known, but have been operated as stand-alonekiosk units positioned at conventional brick-and-mortar video rentalstores to extend the hours of such stores.

The present invention can function as a DVD dispensing machine-baseddistribution system that recognizes the consumer demand recognized bytraditional video rental stores by having multiple units of each newrelease per video dispensing machine. The dispensing machines can stockup to two thousand DVDs (movies and/or games), making them competitivewith existing brick-and-mortar video rental superstores.

The present invention distinguishes itself from such stores by offeringmajor benefits not conventionally offered by such stores, includingadditional cross-marketing programs (e.g., promotional rentals for acertain amount of dollars spent at the hosting store) and convenience(e.g., open always).

The present invention yields a competitive advantage in the DVD rentalmarketplace by offering consumers cross-marketing/promotional programs,convenience of selection (e.g., computer-based searches for movies andrecommendations based on consumer profiles), and extended hours. Thepresent invention employs a more cost-effective, convenient platformthan brick-and-mortar stores. In addition, with the present invention,DVD dispensing machines can be situated in hosting locations having highfoot traffic, such as at a popular hosting location and/or a high foottraffic area at a hosting location.

The present invention can be operated at a substantial savings over thecosts associated with traditional brick-and-mortar video rental stores.For example, the present invention does not require hourly employeesmanning the dispensing machines or restocking them with inventories, dueto the ability of the article transport storage units to be deliveredto/picked up from host locations by third-party delivery services, suchas overnight courier services.

Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the present invention does not requirean on-site store manager because all operational decisions can be madeat a centralized location by a management team officed remote from thehosting locations. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the present inventiondoes not require a great deal of physical space. Unlike brick-and-mortarstores, the present invention has low operating costs because no heatingor air conditioning is required for the dispensing machines and theyconsume a relatively low level of electrical energy. In addition, thepresent invention has low maintenance costs and downtime.

The present invention addresses all of these shortcomings of traditionalbrick-and-mortar stores in a convenient and cost-effective deliveryvehicle having the added bonus of serving as an effective promotionalplatform that drives incremental sales to hosting locations. Inaddition, the present invention overcomes these disadvantages byoffering more new releases and older selections for any given timeperiod, lower cost per viewing, and more convenience than internet-basedand pay-per-view services.

Dispensing machines are known. Dispensing machines have beentraditionally used to distribute a wide variety of goods, including,among other things, snack foods. Conventional dispensing machines usedin article dispensing systems must be restocked with inventory manually.In the conventional machines, the inventory articles are uploaded to themachines and offloaded from the machines by dedicated route servicemen,who are provided access to the storage space. Route servicemenconventionally are employed to control inventory of a plurality ofdispensing machines situated at a plurality of hosting locations. Inorder to stock the machines with inventory, a serviceman typically firstremoves the articles of inventory designated for offloading one by oneprior to uploading new articles of inventory one by one. An alternativemanner of removing inventory designated for offloading from a dispensingmachine is by removal of all inventory in the machine by removing adrawer containing all articles of inventory. This latter approach ofremoving inventory articles is particularly suitable for dispensingmachines that are either directly connected or in close proximity tomanned dispensing locations.

Most dispensing machines must be serviced by a serviceman to upload newdispensable articles of inventory into the machines in multiplequantities. Conventional drawers used to stock dispensing machines withinventory and remove articles designated for offloading from dispensingmachines require a dedicated serviceman for carrying out the stockingand removal tasks. In addition, conventional drawers do not permitautomated access to the article dispensing machines. Such conventionaldrawers allow the servicemen to have access to the articles of inventorybeing stocked into the dispensing machine and the articles of inventorybeing removed from the dispensing machine.

An important aspect of the present invention is that it overcomes theaforementioned disadvantages of conventional drawers employed to removearticles of inventory designated for offloading from dispensing machinesand stock articles of inventory into dispensing machines. The presentinvention provides a removable article transport storage unit for thehandling of flat-pack type articles of inventory. The unit has aparticularly simple, yet reliable, construction for use in articledispensing machines. This aspect of the present invention makes itparticularly suitable for use in association with DVD dispensingmachines.

Preferably, each unit is configured to receive a plurality of articlesof inventory to be stocked into and/or removed from an articledispensing machine. In that regard, each unit is configured to have aninterior with a volume sufficiently large enough to receive and store anappropriate quantity of the particular kind of inventory to bedispensed. The articles of inventory are preferably stored within theunit in an aligned relationship, and most preferably in racks containedwithin the unit.

Each unit can be received within a receptacle associated with adispensing machine and preferably is opened automatically once the unitis received into the receptacle to permit rapid stocking of inventoryarticles into the dispensing machine. In that regard; a robotic armpreferably positioned in the dispensing machine is actuated and uponopening of the inventory transport and stocking unit, the robotic armcauses uploading and/or offloading of inventory articles, as desired. Inone embodiment, the unit may be quickly received on and/or removed froma drawer at the dispensing machine for stocking of the machine orreplenishment of inventory into the unit for subsequent stocking of anarticle dispensing machine with inventory.

The flow of inventory can be controlled at a centralized inventorycontrol or supply center. In addition, the removal of offloaded articlesof inventory from a received article transport and storage unit can becarried out at the inventory control or supply office. Furthermore, thereplenishment of articles of inventory into the units can be carried outat the inventory control or supply office, translating into increasedquality control and security associated with the articles dispensable atdispensing machines.

The article transport storage unit is tamper and theft proof and easy tohandle. The article transport storage units reduce theft and personnelcosts and ensure a steady supply of new releases suitable for eachdispensing machine.

Following installation into a dispensing machine, the article transportstorage unit can be unlocked and opened automatically to release theDVDs. The article transport storage units cannot be opened prior toinstallation, thus deterring and preventing theft that typically plaguesvideo rental stores. The resident article transport storage unit isclosed and locked automatically and then removed from the machine andreturned to a system inventory control or supply office via the thirdparty delivery service. Only authorized personnel at the systeminventory control or supply office are able to unlock and open thereturned article transport storage unit and remove the individual DVDs,preferably stored within racks within the interior of the unit.

The present invention provides a system for distributing DVD movievideos and video games for home entertainment or other use. The presentinvention links the regular routines of consumers to renting and/orpurchasing movie videos and/or video games from a dispensing machine.

The dispensing machines can include a user-friendly control interfaceresembling the interface conventionally used in association with anautomated teller machine. The dispensing machines also preferably have agraphical user interface with touch screen interface control capability.In addition, if desired, multiple control interfaces can be incorporatedin dispensing machines situated at high traffic locations, such as bybeing positioned on each side panel of such machines.

The dispensing machines also preferably include plasma video displaymonitors to run video trailers of movies and other promotional or paidadvertising, and also incorporate known technology making them capableof broadcasting focused audio that can be directed to relatively small(e.g., three square feet) locations in front of the machines and/or inother designated locations at a hosting site. The highly focused soundwill draw the attention of potential customers to the article dispensingmachines without annoying in-store personnel with the repeated playingof the same trailers and/or advertisements.

The dispensing machines used in the present invention preferablyincorporate a slot loading DVD drive associated therewith that permitsvideo related to a desired advertisement or trailer to be read from DVDmedia at the machine location. The video content read from the DVD mediawill preferably be stored in a storage unit (e.g., hard drive)associated with the dispensing machine and can be accessed, played andpresented on the associated video display monitor, as desired.

The dispensing machines used in the present invention are fullyautomated, integrated DVD movie video and video game rental and/orpurchase systems. The present invention preferably incorporates robust,secure, scalable software that provides a fully personalized userexperience and real-time feedback to hosting locations and advertisers,scalable hardware that leverages existing technologies such as touchscreen, focused audio speakers and plasma video monitors, technologyutilizing the Internet through a system website, and an articletransport storage unit that facilitates the exchange of new DVDs for oldDVDs in each machine with virtually no need for human intervention.These technologies and others fill long-felt needs in the art and giveadvantages over conventional video distribution options. The presentinvention functions as much as a promotional platform as it does arental kiosk.

By situating the dispensing machines at hosting locations where there isboth high repeat foot traffic and the opportunity to utilizecross-marketing/promotional programs to leverage the synergies betweenhosting locations, such as grocery stores, consumers are enticed to usethe dispensing machines. For example, a grocery store hosting a machinecould offer its preferred cardholders reduced price DVD rentals or evenfree rentals for a specified dollar amount of groceries purchased bylinking certain aspects of its preferred cardholder promotional programwith the promotional software used by the present invention. This andother types of creative promotions can be implemented to ensure that thedispensing machines are valuable to the hosting locations and theirpatrons alike.

Renting DVDs from the dispensing machines is seen as more rewardingbecause of such promotional programs. The rental experience is moreconvenient for the consumer versus renting from traditionalbrick-and-mortar video stores as the rental experience is closely tiedto the shopping routines of the consumer and the hours of hostinglocations. The present invention fosters enhanced customer loyalty,satisfaction and goodwill for the hosting locations, as well as theopportunity to share revenues generated by the dispensing machines attheir hosting site.

By utilizing the dispensing machines and the fully-interactive,real-time, linked Internet website, consumers can rent one or more DVDmovie videos and/or video games directly from dispensing machines aswell as indirectly by making a rental reservation through the websitefor later pickup at a conveniently located machine. The dispensingmachines will preferably be fully networked with each other, with theinventory control or supply office and with the system website viasatellite links at each hosting location. Through this linked network,the rental experience for each consumer can be customized based on aprofile for each consumer, such as via personalized home pages andrental screens.

In addition, the rental experience can be customized for each hostinglocation. For example, a large number of Spanish language films can formthe basis for the inventory in dispensing machines situated at a hostinglocation with predominately Spanish speaking patrons. Furthermore, byleveraging the real-time satellite network, the present invention isable to run customized promotional programs tailored to the unique needsof each hosting location and provide feedback as to the success of suchpromotion in real time via network links to the hosting locationcomputers.

The present invention has the advantage of generating revenue from thefollowing sources: movie and video game rentals, cross-marketingpromotional programs whereby preferred customer or other targetedcustomer segments at a hosting location are encouraged to patronize thestare and repeatedly rent from the dispensing machines, advertisingrevenues resulting from video advertisements displayed on plasma videodisplay monitors incorporated as part of the dispensing machines,advertisements presented on DVD jacket case covers dispensed from thedispensing machines, and banner ads displayed on the system website.

The present invention can also generate revenues from sales of new andpre-viewed movie videos and new and used video games via the systemwebsite and dispensing machines, and recurring revenue generated throughmembership-based rentals (e.g., monthly fees paid by a consumer inexchange for a fixed number of rentals over a specified period of timeon a discounted basis).

Through use of the present invention, new customers are drawn to thehosting locations to take advantage of the added service and convenienceof renting DVD media from within the locations and the cross-marketingpromotions, such as reduced DVD rental rates that are offered topreferred, customers and/or those spending a specified amount of moneyon the products and services offered by the host locations. The hostlocations can also share in the revenue generated by the dispensingmachines at its location.

In its most preferred form, the present invention offers substantialbenefits to three distinct consumer segments. First, the presentinvention benefits those DVD consumers who go to the grocery store on aregular basis. Next, the present invention benefits the one-hundredmillion preferred grocery chain cardholders. Preferred grocery chaincardholders can purchase and/or rent media from the dispensing machinesemployed with the present invention to take advantage of thecross-marketing/promotional programs available through the rental and/orpurchase experience. Finally, the present invention will benefitconsumers who have access to the Internet and a dedicated website foreasy selection and reservation. The rental and/or purchase experiencecan then be concluded by picking up and dropping off articles at asystem dispensing machine.

Several aspects of the present invention distinguish it fromconventional options. The present invention utilizes software designedto provide real-time monitoring of the inventory at each dispensingmachine, customer history and demographic information, and inventorymanagement, among other things. The interactive system website will belinked to the dispensing machines and provide customers with the abilityto query machine locations and select and reserve DVDs for rental.

The present invention also incorporates a unique article transportstorage unit that provides the ability to exchange the inventory of thedispensing machines with little need for human intervention. The presentinvention also is designed to provide for automatic query of rentalpatterns. Furthermore, on a per machine basis, the present inventionalso provides for automatic survey of the system inventory of existingmovies/games and new releases. By comparing these two sources ofinformation, the present invention provides for automatic selection ofthe DVDs in each dispensing machine that are experiencing a low rentalrate and therefore should be automatically pulled by the robotic arm foroffloading and loaded into the article transport storage unit residinginside the machine.

The present invention includes a user-friendly website to facilitate theconsumer experience. The website permits a consumer to browse newreleases and older titles, query titles in stock for viewing orpurchase, read reviews and recommendations from critics and other users,locate a machine based on inputting a preferred geographical area suchas a particular zip code, enroll as a member, and view movie trailersand promotions. Members are able to do all of the foregoing tasks, andare able to modify their preferences, alter or cancel their membership,and view special members-only promotions. Additionally, existing membersare greeted by a customized homepage which is personalized for eachmember based on their inputted preferences and viewing habits (e.g.,preferred genres, already viewed movies, etc.). The website ispreferably accessible from a variety of hardware units and in a varietyof formats. For example, the website may be accessed from personaldigital assistants, cell phones and personal computers.

Each dispensing machine is a “smart” machine such that each machine hasa satellite Internet uplink that networks all of the machines togetherthrough the Internet, coordinates the user experience via the systemwebsite, and permits the system administrator to manage all of itsoperations at a centralized location. The present invention permitscoordinated roll-out of promotional programs across all or selectdispensing machines, real-time feedback from each machine as to its useand functionality, and coordinates distribution of movie trailers andpromotional programs across all or select machines.

The present invention can generate revenue by selling time slots tomovie studios, food manufacturers and other select parties to play theirtrailers and/or promotions on the plasma video display monitors. Thetrailers and/or promotions can be loaded into the dispensing machinesand stored in a storage unit associated with the machine through the useof a DVD drive. These promotional efforts can be complemented by sellingad space on the DVD rental jacket covers and selling banner ads on thesystem website and/or ad space on the panels of the dispensing machines.

When desired, the existing/resident article transport storage unit willbe swapped out for a new article transport and storage unit containingnew releases and popular existing titles, which can delivered by a thirdparty overnight courier service. The foregoing process is entirelyautomated, and the only need for human intervention occurs whenauthorized personnel from the third party delivery service approaches adesignated unit with the new article transport storage unit. Eacharticle transport storage unit contains a radio frequency identificationtransmitter that triggers a proximity sensor positioned at eachdispensing machine. As the delivery person approaches a specified unit,the transmitter communicates with the proximity sensor in known mannerto cause the dispensing machine to release the resident articletransport storage unit, which the delivery person will swap for the newarticle transport storage unit being delivered. The entire process takesjust a few minutes and can be done without causing any dispensingmachine downtime.

One benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a uniquemeans for automatic inventory control and restocking of flat-pack typeproducts such as DVD jewel cases and the like from an article dispensingmachine.

Another benefit of the present invention is that it can permit unmannedloading and offloading of DVD cases in large quantity through remotenetworking of dispensing machines to an inventory control or supplyoffice.

Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide anarticle transport and storage unit that is readily removable from adispensing machine by authorized personnel from a third party deliverycompany without requiring the use of a dedicated serviceman.

Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide forefficient, automated stocking of inventory articles into a dispensingmachine and removal of inventory articles from a dispensing machine.

A further benefit of the present invention is that it can provide animproved method of initiating the steps of stocking articles ofinventory into a dispensing machine and removing articles of inventoryfrom a dispensing machine.

Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a uniquecoupling and actuating mechanism carried by a dispensing mechanism forcausing the dispensing and restocking of articles from a removablearticle transport storage unit.

Another benefit of the present invention is that it can be adapted toreceive a pair of trays or racks contained within an article transportand storage unit-to allow distribution of either two different types ofarticles or a double quantity of the same type of article, with articlesbeing removed selectively from each tray or rack to stock dispensingmachines with inventory, as desired.

Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a methodfor automated inventory control so that electronic data records can bekept related to inventory control for each dispensing machine within anetwork of such machines.

Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide for alinked network of dispensing machines all in communication with eachother and with an inventory control office, preferably via the Internet,such that the inventory of each dispensing machine on the network can bereviewed so that inventory decision-making functions can be centralizedand carried out at the inventory control or supply office.

The invention provides a method for communicating vending informationfor a vendible media product having entertainment content therein. Themethod comprises the step of receiving a vending request for thevendible media product at a first location. The method also comprisesthe step of determining whether the vendible media product is in a firstvending inventory within a first vending, apparatus at a first location.The method further comprises the step of determining whether thevendible media product is in a second vending inventory within a secondvending apparatus at a second location. That step is performed upon adetermination that the vendible media product is not in the firstvending inventory within the first vending apparatus at the firstlocation. The method also comprises the step of transmitting inventorydata indicating whether the vendible media product is in the secondvending inventory within the second vending apparatus at the secondlocation.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of generatingan interface for a vending transaction at the first location, andvending the product at the second location. In a further embodiment, thefirst and second locations are determined based on a location identifierreceived from a user. In yet another embodiment, the second location isdetermined based on a proximity between the first and second locations.In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step oftransmitting an electronic mail message to a user-specified electronicmail address upon a determination that the vendible media product is inat least one of the first vending inventory and/or the second vendinginventory at the first and second locations, respectively.

The invention further provides a system for communicating vendinginformation for a vendible media product having entertainment contenttherein. The system comprises a transaction network and a control centerin communication with the transaction network. The system furthercomprises a vending controller in communication with the transactionnetwork, wherein the vending controller receives a request from a userinterface for the vendible media product, and receives from the controlcenter data indicating a location of a vending inventory of a vendingapparatus where the vendible media product is present.

The invention also provides a method for communicating vendinginformation for a vendible media product having entertainment contenttherein. The method comprises the steps of receiving user information,wherein the user information comprises a requested vendible mediaproduct and a location identifier. The method further comprises the stepof transmitting vending data to a first user interface, wherein thevending data comprises a vending location of the vending inventory. Themethod also comprises the step of receiving transaction data from asecond user interface, wherein the transaction data comprises financialinformation. The method further comprises the step of transmitting avending signal to a vending controller at the vending location, whereinthe signal instructs the vending controller to vend the vendible mediaproduct to a specific user.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of encryptingthe plurality of transaction data. In another embodiment, the methodalso comprises the step of deleting the plurality of transaction datafrom the memory after the vending transaction data has been transmittedto the control center. In yet another embodiment, the method alsocomprises the step of determining whether the plurality of vendingtransaction data exceeds a predetermined data storage threshold. In afurther embodiment, the step of transmitting the plurality of vendingtransaction data is based on a determination that the plurality ofvending transaction data exceeds the predetermined data storagethreshold.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step ofdetermining whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since aprior transmission of vending transaction data. In yet anotherembodiment, the step of transmitting the plurality of vendingtransaction data is based on a determination that the predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed since the prior transmission of vendingtransaction data. In a further embodiment, each of the plurality ofvending transaction data corresponds to a rental transaction for a DVD.In yet another embodiment, each of the plurality of vending transactiondata comprises a transaction timestamp.

The invention further provides a system for communicating vendinginformation for a vendible media product having entertainment contenttherein. The system comprises a transaction network and a control centerin communication with the transaction network. The control center is forreceiving communication from a vending controller via the transactionnetwork at predetermined time intervals, wherein at least one of thecommunications comprises a plurality of vending transaction data, andwherein each of the plurality of vending transaction data corresponds toa rental transaction for the vendible media product.

The invention also provides a system for communicating vendinginformation for a vendible media product having entertainment contenttherein, wherein the system comprises a transaction network and avending controller in communication with the transaction network. Thevending controller receives a signal from a remote control center and inresponse thereto, transmits a plurality of vending transaction data tothe remote control center via the transaction network, wherein each ofthe plurality of vending transaction data corresponds to a rentaltransaction.

Further benefits of the present invention are to substantially reducethe time and expense involved in the stocking and maintenance of articledispensing machines situated at a plurality of hosting locations over agiven period, and to reduce any losses due to pilferage of articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other benefits of the present invention can be achieved thepresent system and method for communicating vending information. Thesystem includes a plurality of vending apparatuses, each containing avending inventory comprised of vendible media products, and a controlcenter in communication with the plurality of vending apparatusesconfigured to receive user information. The user information can includea vending request for a vendible media product and a locationidentifier. The system is further configured to select a vendingapparatus from the plurality of vending apparatuses based on thelocation identifier, determine whether the requested vendible mediaproduct is in the vending inventory of the selected vending apparatus,and transmit an electronic message to a user-specified electronic mailaddress upon determining that the requested vendible media product is inthe vending inventory of the selected vending machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article dispensing machine and anarticle transport storage unit constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the article dispensing machineillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the article dispensing machineillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the article dispensing machineillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the article dispensing machine illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the article transport storage unitillustrated in FIG. 1, shown in a closed condition;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the article transport storage unitillustrated in FIG. 6, shown in an open condition;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the article transport storage unitillustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the article transport storage unitillustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a partially open rear perspective view of the articledispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an articledispensing machine constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the articledispensing machine illustrate in FIG. 11, along with another embodimentof an article transport storage unit constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the articledispensing machine and article transport storage unit illustrated inFIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the article transport storageunit illustrated in FIG. 13, shown in a closed condition;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the article transport storageunit illustrated in FIG. 14, shown in an open condition;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the article transport storage unitillustrated in FIG. 14, shown in an open condition;

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the article transport storageunit illustrated in FIG. 14, shown in an open condition;

FIG. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of another embodimentof an article dispensing machine constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention and another embodiment of an articletransport storage unit constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 19 is a partially open perspective view of the article dispensingmachine illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a partially open side elevational view of the articledispensing machine illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a partially open top view of the article dispensing machineillustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the article transport storage unitillustrated in FIG. 18; and

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the article transport storageunit illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a system for communicating and processinginformation in a network of article dispensing machines and vendingapparatus and a remote control center;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed bya vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and method forregulating vending merchandise;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed bya vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and method foroffline vending of a media product;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed bya vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and method forcommunicating vending information for a vendible media product;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed bya vending apparatus and remote control center in another system andmethod for communicating vending information for a vendible mediaproduct;

FIG. 29 a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed by avending apparatus and remote control center in a system and method forselling a rental media product;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed bya vending apparatus in a system and method for calibrating the vendingapparatus for vending a media product;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating additional elements in the order ofoperations performed by a vending apparatus in a system and method forcalibrating the vending apparatus;

FIG. 32 is an illustration of the internal components of a vendingapparatus for use in a system and method for calibrating the vendingapparatus;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed bya vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and method formanaging vending inventory of a plurality of vendible media products;

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of the elements of a system for managingvending inventory of a plurality of vendible media products;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the order of operations performed bya vending apparatus and remote control center in a system and method forvending vendible media products;

FIG. 36 is an illustration of a user interface for selecting a vendiblemedia product at a vending apparatus;

FIG. 37 is an illustration of a user interface for displayinginformation regarding a vendible media product and initiating a rentaltransaction for the vendible media product;

FIG. 38 is an illustration of a user interface for a plurality of rentaland purchase transactions for a plurality of vendible media products ata vending apparatus;

FIG. 39 is an illustration of a security interface for providingsecurity information during a rental and/or purchase transaction of avendible media product at a vending apparatus;

FIG. 40 is an illustration of a user interface for providing promotionalinformation during the transaction of a vendible media product at avending apparatus;

FIG. 41 is an illustration of a user interface for providing anelectronic mail address during the transaction of a vendible mediaproduct at a vending apparatus;

FIG. 42 an illustration of is a user interface for configuring anelectronic mail message to be transmitted to a user-provided mailaddress according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 43 an illustration of is a user interface for entering inventoryinformation to an inventory database in accordance with a system formanaging vending inventory;

FIG. 44 an illustration of a user interface for viewing a vendinginventory at a vending apparatus, in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 45 is an illustration of a user interface for displaying theresults of a query of an inventory database storing data related to asystem for vending vendible media products;

FIG. 46 is an illustration of a user interface for viewing and editingcustomer user information stored in a database configured for use with avending apparatus;

FIG. 47 is an illustration of a user interface for selecting vendiblemedia products in a vending inventory of a vending apparatus for removalfrom the vending apparatus;

FIG. 48 is an illustration of a user interface for viewing vendiblemedia products that have been rented from a vending apparatus;

FIG. 49 is an illustration of a user interface for displaying pricingpolicy information for a plurality of vendible media products stored ina vending apparatus;

FIG. 50 is an illustration of a user interface for establishing adiscount offer for a vendible media product vended from a vendingapparatus; and,

FIG. 51 is an illustration of a user interface for displaying andediting information pertaining to users of a vendible media distributionsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an article dispensing machine generally designated30. Article dispensing machine 30 is one of a plurality of articledispensing machines included within an article distribution systemhaving a plurality of such machines situated at a plurality of hostinglocations. The article dispensing machines of a particular articledistribution system preferably from a network. As such, those machinesare preferably in electrical communication with each other and with acentral office from which inventory decisions can be made.

In a preferred application, the article dispensing machines 30 of thesystem are directed to DVD dispensing machines that can be utilized byconsumers to purchase and/or rent movie videos and/or video gamesembodied on DVD discs. Nonetheless, those skilled in the art willappreciate that article dispensing machine 30 is not limited to theapplication of DVD distribution, but rather will have applicability foruse in the distribution of a variety of articles.

As illustrated, article dispensing machine 30 includes a cabinet housing32 with front, rear, top, bottom and side panels. Dispensing machine 30further includes a user interface portion 34 and an article transportstorage unit holder 36 designed to receive an article transport storageunit 38, as desired.

The machine housing 32 is preferably a combination molded fiberglass andsheet metal cabinet. However, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the housing can be constructed from a variety of other suitablematerials and with a variety of other suitable manufacturing techniques.

In the article dispensing machine embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5,the article dispensing machine 30 preferably has a total height ofeighty-one inches, a total width of fifty-seven inches, and a totaldepth of forty-six inches. Assuming the construction described abovewith reference to this illustrated embodiment of the article dispensingmachine, machine 30 and article transport storage unit 38 (when empty)preferably have an approximate combined weight of six hundred sixtypounds.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, the user interface portion 34 ofhousing 32 includes a card reader 40, a keypad and/or touch screen 42and an article transfer opening 44. The card reader 40 is preferablydesigned in known fashion to read magnetically encoded membership and/orcredit cards for authorizing the distribution of articles of inventorythrough the article transfer opening 44. Keypad and/or touch screen 42permits consumers and/or inventory stocking personnel to communicatewith the dispensing machine 30 and/or a central office linked inelectrical communication with the dispensing machine. Keypad and/ortouch screen 42 also permits consumers and/or inventory stockingpersonnel to enter appropriate commands directed to carrying outspecific machine tasks. It will be appreciated that the optional touchscreen includes a monitor made with known technologies making it capableof being utilized as a user interface for entry of commands designed tocarry out machine tasks. Additionally, known audio technology could beincorporated with article dispensing machine 30.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that additional user interfaceportions having additional or even identical user interface componentscould be incorporated within article dispensing machine 30. For example,these components could be incorporated on other panels of the housing 32of machine 30 so that the machine can be used simultaneously by multipleconsumers, translating into more efficient distribution of articles inhigh traffic areas.

The article transport storage unit holder 36 is able to slide in and outof housing 32. Holder 36 is connected to two generally spaced andparallel rails 45 a, 45 b positioned within housing 32. The holder 36can be manually slid into and out of housing 32, as desired.Alternatively, a drive motor (not shown) can be used to slide holder 36into and out of housing 32, as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a robotic arm 46 positioned within articledispensing machine 30 is illustrated. The position of robotic arm 46 canbe due to a powered drive motor (not shown). Rails 47, at least some ofwhich are illustrated in FIG. 8, are included to define paths formovement of robotic arm 46. Robotic arm 46 can preferably move in allthe x, y and z directions. Using known electromechanical technology,robotic arm 46 can be used to open and close the article transportstorage unit 38, as desired, and can further be used to move returnedarticles into the unit and grab and dispense requested articles from theunit, as desired.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a generally rectangular-shaped article transportstorage unit 38. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the article transportstorage unit 38 includes a roller door 48 shown closed but designed tobe selectively opened to grant access to the interior of the unit. Theroller door 48 can incorporate catches 49 to facilitate the opening andclosing process, as described below. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate thearticle transport storage unit 38 with its roller door 48 open. Asshown, the interior of article transport storage unit 38 preferablyincludes a plurality of compartments 50 forming racks configured toreceive articles slated for inventory within the article dispensingmachine. The interior compartments 50 in the illustrated articletransport storage unit 38 are formed by a plurality of laterally andlongitudinally extending compartment boundary panels and are designed toreceive a plurality of articles. Generally, a thirty inch wide;thirty-six inch long and eight inch deep article transport storage unitcan store one hundred twenty DVD cases.

While the compartments 50 of the illustrated article transport storageunit 38 are particularly suitable for flat pack type articles, such asDVD cases, it will be appreciated that the compartments of a particulararticle transport storage unit can be designed to receive a variety oftypes of articles, as desired. It will further be appreciated that thenumber of compartments in the interior of a unit can be varied toaccommodate a different quantity of articles slated for inventory at adispensing machine. In addition, an article transport storage unit maybe designed to hold a plurality of types of articles and articles havinga plurality of sizes and shapes, as desired.

FIG. 9 illustrates a latch block 52 positioned and designed toselectively lock the roller door 48 of the article transport storageunit. The unit also includes an electrical switch 54 in the form of asolenoid positioned and designed to cause the latch block 52 to movebetween two distinct positions, one of which enables movement of theroller door along its J-shaped track 56, the other of which preventssuch movement. A removable cover 58 for the locking mechanism is alsoillustrated in FIG. 9.

With the present invention, the article transport storage units arefilled with inventory at a centralized inventory supply center. Oncefilled with articles slated for dispensing machine inventory, the rollerdoors 48 of the article transport storage units 38 are closed and lockedby system administration personnel. Thereafter, a particular articletransport storage unit is then delivered to a particular articledispensing machine as illustrated in FIG. 1. This delivery can be madeby third party delivery companies, such as overnight courier services.

The authorized serviceman initiates the appropriate routine for removalof the previously installed article transport storage unit. A variety ofmechanisms can provide access to the machine by the serviceman. Forexample, a personal digital assistant having an infrared transmitter canactuate an optional drive motor associated with the holder mechanism andcause the previously installed article transport storage unit to becarried outside the dispensing machine housing. Additionally, thedelivered article transport storage unit can include a radio frequencyidentification tag that can similarly actuate an optional holdermechanism drive motor. Additionally, the serviceman can enterappropriate commands at the user interface keypad to initiate the unitremoval process. Furthermore, ejection of the holder can be accomplishedmanually.

In any event, the previously installed article transport storage unit isejected from the housing of the dispensing machine during the removalprocess. The ejected unit is locked upon removal from the holder toprevent access to the articles forming the contents of the unit. In thatregard, the electrical switch 54 is de-energized when the unit isremoved from the holder, causing the block to move to its lockedposition. The removed article transport storage unit can be deliveredback to an inventory supply center by the third party freight companyfor restocking of appropriate articles slated for inventory of aparticular dispensing machine.

When the removed article transport storage unit arrives back at theinventory supply center, it can be unlocked and opened, its contents canbe emptied and it can be refilled with articles, based on the desiredinventory at its newly assigned dispensing machine. Thereafter, thatunit can be delivered to its assigned dispensing machine to update theinventory of articles available for consumption at that machine.

Following removal of the previously installed article transport storageunit, the delivered article transport storage unit is placed on theholder mechanism. In particular, the top and bottom panels of thearticle transport storage unit will rest upon the extracted holdermechanism.

Upon placement of the unit onto the holder mechanism, the electricalswitch is actuated, causing the block to move to its unlocked position.This allows the unit door to be opened so the interior of the unit canbe accessed.

The holder mechanism can then be slid into the dispensing machine alongits associated rails. This sliding can be done manually, or morepreferably, under the power of the drive motor, as desired. In the eventthat a drive motor is used for automatic installation of the articletransport storage unit, the motor can be actuated by a sensor mechanismthat detects that the unit is secure within the holder mechanism. As aresult, the automated installation of the delivered article transportstorage unit can be done by simply placing the unit onto the holdermechanism.

In the embodiments of the dispensing machine and the article transportstorage unit illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the back panel of the articletransport storage unit acts as the cover door for the dispensing machineto prevent access therein. The holder mechanism secures the articletransport storage unit within the cabinet.

Upon installation of the article transport storage unit into thedispensing machine, the robotic arm positioned within the dispensingmachine can open the roller door of the article transport storage unitand has access to the articles delivered for dispensing machineinventory. Alternatively, the door catches can be caught by cooperatingfingers positioned within the machine housing while the holder mechanismis slid into the housing. This allows the unit to be installed into themachine housing, but prevents the door from being inserted into thehousing much past the fingers to cause the door to slide along itsJ-shaped track, thereby opening the unit to permit access to itsinterior by the robotic arm.

During subsequent removal of the article transport storage unit, theroller door is closed by the robotic arm or alternatively by the actionof sliding the holder mechanism out of the machine housing. Theelectrical switch is de-energized upon removal of the unit from theholder mechanism, causing the latch mechanism to shift into its lockedposition to prevent the roller door from opening and exposing thecontents of the unit.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another article dispensing machine generallydesignated 130 forming one of a plurality of article dispensing machinesincluded within a networked article distribution system.

Article dispensing machine 130 includes a cabinet housing 132 withfront, rear, top, bottom and side panels. Dispensing machine 130 furtherincludes a user interface portion 134 and opposing rails 136 designed toreceive an article transport storage unit 138, as desired. The machinehousing 132 is preferably a combination molded fiberglass and sheetmetal cabinet.

The user interface portion 134 of housing 132 preferably includes a cardreader 142, a display monitor 143 and an article transfer opening 144.The card reader 142 is preferably designed in known fashion to readmagnetically encoded membership and/or credit cards for authorizing thedistribution of articles of inventory through the article transferopening 144.

Display monitor 143 permits consumers and/or inventory stockingpersonnel to communicate with the dispensing machine 130 and/or acentral office linked in electrical communication with the dispensingmachine. Display monitor 143 also permits consumers and/or inventorystocking personnel to enter appropriate commands directed to carryingout specific machine tasks.

Display monitor 143 provides for a user interface presenting visualdisplay of pertinent information during the servicing and distributionprocesses of machine 130. Display monitor 143 preferably incorporatesknown plasma video technology and known touch screen technology. Assuch, display monitor 143 preferably operates as a user interface forentry of commands designed to carry out machine tasks. Optionally, akeypad can be included to permit all or some of those functions to becarried out.

Additionally, known audio technology could be incorporated withinarticle dispensing machine 130. Preferably, known audio technology isincorporated within dispensing machine 130 to broadcast focused audiodirected to relatively small (e.g., 3 square feet) locations in front ofthe machines and/or in other designated locations at a hosting site.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that additional user interfaceportions having additional or even identical user interface componentscould be incorporated within article dispensing machine 130. Forexample, these components could be incorporated on other panels of thehousing 132 of machine 130 so that the machine can be usedsimultaneously by multiple consumers, translating into more efficientdistribution of articles in high traffic areas.

The article transport storage unit 138 can be slid in and out of housing132. Each article transport storage unit 138 has guides 144 positionedalong the top and bottom panels of the unit. The guides 144 are designedto cooperate with the associated rails 136 contained within machine 130.

A robotic arm (not shown) is positioned within article dispensingmachine 130. A powered drive motor (not shown) can be used to move therobotic arm. Rails are preferably included to define paths for movementof the robotic arm, and the robotic arm can preferably move in all thex, y and z directions. Using known electromechanical technology, therobotic arm can be used to open and close the article transport storageunit 138, as desired, and can further be used to move returned articlesinto the unit and grab and dispense requested articles from the unit, asdesired.

FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a generally rectangular-shaped article transportstorage unit 138. The article transport storage unit 138 includes aroller door 148 shown closed but designed to be selectively opened togrant access to the interior of the unit. FIGS. 15-17 illustrate thearticle transport storage unit 138 with its roller door 148 open. Asshown, the interior of article transport storage unit 138 preferablyincludes a plurality of compartments 150 configured to receive articlesslated for inventory within the article dispensing machine. The interiorcompartments 150 in the illustrated article transport storage unit 38are formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending compartmentboundary panels and a plurality of laterally extending compartmentboundary panels extending from a longitudinally extending boundary panelpartially towards another longitudinally extending boundary panel. Thelaterally extending boundary panels can be aligned to retain oppositeends of the same side of flat-pack type article.

While the compartments 150 of the illustrated article transport storageunit 138 are particularly suitable for flat-pack type articles, such asDVD cases, it will be appreciated that the compartments of a particulararticle transport storage unit can be designed to receive a variety oftypes of articles, as desired. It will further be appreciated that thenumber of compartments in the interior of a unit can be varied toaccommodate a different quantity of articles slated for inventory at adispensing machine. In addition, an article transport storage unit maybe equipped with racks having compartments of different types so that itis designed to hold a plurality of types of articles and articles havinga plurality of sizes and shapes, as desired.

FIG. 17 illustrates latch blocks 152 positioned and designed toselectively lock the roller door 148 of the article transport storageunit. The unit also includes electrical switches 154 positioned anddesigned to cause the latch blocks 152 to enable and prevent the rollerdoor to be opened.

With the present invention, the article transport storage units arefilled with inventory at a centralized inventory supply center. Oncefilled with articles slated for dispensing machine inventory, the rollerdoors 148 of the article transport storage units 138 are closed andlocked by system administration personnel. Thereafter, a particulararticle transport storage unit is then delivered to a particular articledispensing machine. The article transport storage unit 138 preferablyincludes a handle 155 to facilitate delivery. Delivery of an articletransport storage unit to the hosting site can be made by third partydelivery companies, such as overnight courier services.

The authorized serviceman initiates the appropriate routine for removalof the previously installed article transport storage unit. A variety ofmechanisms can provide access to the machine by the serviceman. Forexample, a personal digital assistant having an infrared transmitter canunlock a side door panel of the machine and provide access by theserviceman. Additionally, the delivered article transport storage unitcan include a radio frequency identification tag that can similarlyactuate the holder mechanism drive motor. Additionally, the servicemancan enter appropriate commands at the user interface keypad to initiatethe unit removal process.

In any event, the previously installed article transport storage unit isaccessible and removable from the housing of the dispensing machineduring the removal process. The previously installed unit is lockedprior to it being accessible, thereby securing the articles forming thecontents of the unit. In particular, once the previously installed unitis moved from its fully inserted position, the electrical switches aredeactivated (de-energized), causing the latch blocks to move into theirlocked positions. Once removed, the previously installed articletransport storage unit can be delivered back to an inventory supplycenter by the third party freight company for restocking of appropriatearticles slated for inventory of a particular dispensing machine.

When the removed article transport storage unit arrives back at theinventory supply center, it can be unlocked and opened, its contents canbe emptied and it can be refilled with articles, based on the desiredinventory at its newly assigned dispensing machine. Thereafter, thatunit can be delivered to its assigned dispensing machine to update theinventory of articles available for consumption at that machine.

Following removal of the previously installed article transport storageunit, the delivered article transport storage unit is installed into thedispensing machine. In particular, the guides are slid into cooperatingrelationship with the rails within the machine so that the unit restsupon the rails and is secured thereby.

In the embodiments of the dispensing machine and the article transportstorage unit illustrated in FIGS. 11-17, the rails and guides cooperateto secure the article transport storage unit within the cabinet.

Upon installation of the article transport storage unit into thedispensing machine to its fully inserted position, the electricalswitches are actuated, causing the latch blocks to move to theirunlocked positions. As a result, the roller door associated with theunit is permitted to be opened. Opposing latches on opposite sides ofthe unit allow the unit roller door to be opened only when matinglatches meet up with their counterparts. When actuated, these elementsunlock the door and the door will open or close as the unit moves in orout of the machine. An electronic solenoid in the article transportstorage unit is actuated and unlocks the roller door only when theproper electronic connection is made between the unit and the machine.Under these circumstances, the roller door will open or close as themagazine moves in or out of the machine. As the magazine is pulled intothe vending machine the magazine will lock into place allowing newarticles to be uploaded into the vending machine. The robotic armpositioned within the dispensing machine then opens the door andthereafter has access to the articles delivered for dispensing machineinventory.

During subsequent removal of the article transport storage unit, theroller door is closed by the robotic arm and the latch mechanism isshifted into its locked position to prevent the roller door from openingand exposing the contents of the unit. This closing and locking of theroller door can be carried out prior to unlocking the side door paneland making the article transport storage unit accessible. These actionswill take place once the unit moves from its fully inserted position.

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate another embodiment of an article dispensingmachine generally designated 230 forming one of a plurality of articledispensing machines included within a networked article distributionsystem. Article dispensing machine 230 includes a cabinet housing 232with front, rear, top, bottom and side panels. The illustrated sidepanel of cabinet housing 232 preferably includes a door panel 233 thatcan be opened for repair of components included within machine 230.

The machine housing 232 is preferably a combination molded fiberglassand sheet metal cabinet. However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the housing can be constructed from a variety of othersuitable materials and with a variety of other suitable manufacturingtechniques.

Dispensing machine 230 further includes a user interface portion and anarticle transport storage unit transfer opening 236 with associated doordesigned to receive an article transport storage unit 238, as desired.The user interface portion of housing 232 can include a touch-activateddisplay screen 234 for input of commands, a card reader 235 and anarticle transfer opening 244 is also included. The article transferopening 244 permits distribution of requested articles through theopening and receipt of returned articles through the opening.

The card reader 235 (details not shown) is preferably designed in knownfashion to read magnetically encoded membership and/or credit cards forauthorizing the distribution of articles of inventory through thearticle transfer opening 244. The touch screen 234 permits consumersand/or inventory stocking personnel to communicate with the dispensingmachine 230 and/or a central office linked in electrical communicationwith the dispensing machine. Touch screen 234 also permits consumersand/or inventory stocking personnel to enter appropriate commandsdirected to carrying out specific machine tasks.

In particular, the display monitor of the dispensing machine 230preferably incorporates known touch screen technology. As such, itprovides for a user interface presenting visual display of pertinentinformation during the servicing and distribution processes of machine230 and operates as a user interface for entry of commands designed tocarry out machine tasks.

The dispensing machine 230 preferably includes an additional displaymonitor 245. Display 245 preferably incorporates known plasma videotechnology and provides for display of trailers, advertisements andother desired point-of-purchase video effects.

Dispensing machine 230 also preferably includes speaker units 246.Preferably, known audio technology is incorporated within dispensingmachine 230 to broadcast focused audio directed to relatively small(e.g., three square feet) locations in front of the machines fromspeaker units 246 and/or in other designated locations at a hostingsite.

Referring now to components positioned in the interior of dispensingmachine 230, the machine includes a storage rack unit 248 having aplurality of circular-shaped storage racks 250 sharing a common centralaxis. A motor 251 is configured to drive and coupled to a shaft 252,which is positioned along the common central axis of storage rack unit248 to provide for rotation of the storage racks 250, as desired. Wheels253 are included to receive a belt used to rotate the wheels and, inturn, rotate shaft 252.

Each storage rack 250 includes radially extending angularly separatedcompartment panels defining article receiving compartments designed toreceive and retain flat-type pack articles, such as DVD cases, asdesired. The compartment panels are preferably axially aligned to retainthe opposing sides of DVD cases at the top and bottom ends thereof. Inthat regard, the DVD cases are preferably retained between successivevertical pairs of storage racks 250. The storage racks 250 arevertically spaced by axially extending support members 254.

The dispensing machine includes a robotic arm 256 that is connected to aconveying belt 258 carried by rollers 260. At least one of the rollers260 is driven by a motor to provide for movement of robotic arm 256.

FIGS. 22-23 illustrate an article transport storage unit 238 having agenerally square configuration with a cut off corner. The articletransport storage unit 238 is designed to have an opening 262, whichpermits articles to be removed from and inserted into the unit.

Article transport storage unit 238 includes a top panel 264 having ashaft aligned bore extending through it, a bottom panel 266 also havinga shaft aligned bore extending through it, side panels 267, and astorage rack unit 268 illustrated as having two axially alignedcircular-shaped storage racks 270. As shown, top panel 264, bottom panel266 and side panels 267 are constructed to form opening 262 whenassembled.

Each storage rack 270 includes radially extending angularly separatedcompartment panels defining article receiving compartments designed toreceive and retain flat-type pack articles slated for inventory, such asDVD cases, as desired. The compartment panels are preferably axiallyaligned to retain the opposing sides of DVD cases at the top and bottomends thereof. In that regard, the DVD cases are preferably retained incompartments illustrated as slots formed by between successive verticalpairs of storage racks 270.

The storage racks 270 are vertically spaced by axially extending supportmembers 274. In addition, a closing member 276 configured from twoadjacent locked slots extends between the storage racks and is designedto prevent access to the articles stored within article transportstorage unit 238 when the closing member is axially aligned with opening262.

Again, it will be appreciated that the compartments of a particulararticle transport storage unit can be designed to receive a variety oftypes of articles, as desired. It will further be appreciated that thenumber of compartments in the interior of a unit can be varied toaccommodate a different quantity of articles slated for inventory at adispensing machine. In addition, an article transport storage unit maybe designed to hold a plurality of types of articles and articles havinga plurality of sizes and shapes, as desired.

The storage rack unit 268 also includes a centrally positioned lockingrotational mechanism 278 designed to permit selective rotation of thestorage rack unit within the interior of article transport storage unit238. It will be appreciated that storage rack unit 268 cannot be rotatedwithin article transport storage unit 238, absent locking rotationalmechanism 278 being actuated by a cooperating unlocking mechanism. Itwill further be appreciated that the shaft 252 within article dispensingmachine 230 includes a cooperating unlocking mechanism and thatadditional unlocking mechanisms are available at a centralized inventorysupply center. In the arrangement shown, the article transport storageunit 238 includes locking pins 280 that, when depressed, permit thestorage rack unit to be rotated.

With the present invention, the article transport storage units 238 arefilled with inventory at a centralized inventory supply center. Oncefilled with articles slated for dispensing machine inventory, anunlocking mechanism is brought into cooperating engagement with lockingmechanism 278 and implemented to cause rotation of storage rack unit 268to align closing member 276 with opening 262. In particular, pins 280are depressed and the storage rack unit 268 is rotated until closingmember 276 is aligned with opening 262. Thereafter, the unlockingmechanism is removed from engagement with locking mechanism 278 andaccess to the contents within article transport storage unit 238 isprevented. These steps are preferably performed by authorized systemadministration personnel.

Thereafter, a particular article transport storage unit 238 is thendelivered to its destined article dispensing machine 230. This deliverycan be made by third party delivery companies, such as overnight courierservices.

The authorized serviceman initiates the appropriate routine for removalof the previously installed article transport storage unit. A variety ofmechanisms can provide access to the machine by the serviceman. Forexample, a peripheral device, such as a personal digital assistanthaving an infrared transmitter, can initiate the removal process.Additionally, the delivered article transport storage unit 238 caninclude a radio frequency identification tag that can similarly initiatethe removal process. Additionally; the serviceman can enter appropriatecommands at the user interface (e.g., touch screen and/or keypad) toinitiate the unit removal process.

In any event, any additional inventory to be offloaded is delivered fromstorage rack unit 248 to storage rack unit 268 in the article transportstorage unit 238 and loaded into unit 238. This offloading process iscarried out by robotic arm 256 and shaft 252, which has been broughtinto engagement with the locking rotational mechanism 278 of thepreviously installed unit.

The article transport storage unit ejection process is then commenced.Shaft 252 is actuated to rotate storage rack unit 268 until closingmember 276 is axially aligned with opening 262. Thereafter, shaft 252 israised, or alternatively article transport storage unit 238 is lowered,to bring the shaft out of engagement with the locking rotationalmechanism 278 of the previously installed article transport storage unit238. In particular, fingers (not shown) associated with the shaft can bebrought out of engagement with locking pins 280 so that the pins are nolonger depressed. This causes the previously installed article transportstorage unit 238 to be locked and prevents access to the articlesforming the contents of the unit. The door associated with opening 236is opened. The previously installed article transport unit 238 is thenautomatically ejected from dispensing machine 230 so that it can beremoved through opening 236.

The article transport storage unit is then removed and delivered back toan inventory supply center by the third party freight company forrestocking of appropriate articles slated for inventory of a particulardispensing machine.

When the removed article transport storage unit arrives back at theinventory supply center, its contents can be emptied and it can berefilled with articles, based on the desired inventory at its newlyassigned dispensing machine. Thereafter, that unit can be closed, lockedand then delivered to its assigned dispensing machine to update theinventory of articles available for consumption at that machine.

Following removal of the previously installed article transport storageunit, the delivered article transport storage unit 238 is inserted intoarticle transfer opening 236 for installation within dispensing machine230. After being partially inserted into opening 236, a tractor (notshown) completes the installation process. The article transport storageunit 238 is automatically positioned so that it is centrally alignedwith shaft 252. The automatic positioning and installation of articletransport storage unit 238 can be actuated by a sensor mechanism thatdetects that the unit has been inserted into article transfer opening236.

Upon installation of the article transport storage unit into thedispensing machine, the unit is raised so that the unlocking fingersassociated with shaft 252 are brought into engagement with and pressagainst pins 280 of locking rotational mechanism 278 and an inventorystorage process is then commenced. Shaft 252 rotates storage rack unit278 successively causing articles stored within article transportstorage unit 238 to be aligned with opening 262. Robotic arm 256 is thenactuated to grab each article of inventory, remove that article from theunit, carry that article to its desired location on one of the storageracks 250 of storage rack unit 248 and insert that article into theproper compartment.

In its preferred form, electronic records are stored within a storageunit (e.g., hard drive unit) related to each of the inventory supply andremoval process. For example, the delivered article transport storageunit is preferably identified and accepted by the dispensing machineprior to commencement of the removal and installation processes.

In addition, each article of inventory removed from the storage rackunit fixed within the dispensing machine housing and delivered to thestorage rack unit contained within the article transport storage unitare preferably scanned and identified by the dispensing machine.Similarly, each article of inventory removed from the storage rack unitcontained within an installed article transport storage unit anddelivered to the storage rack fixed within the dispensing machinehousing is preferably scanned and identified by the dispensing machine,along with an identification of its stored position on the storage rackunit. Electronic records are preferably stored in the system regardingthis information.

Each article of inventory dispensed from a dispensing machine is alsopreferably scanned and an electronic record is created indicating theconsumer who rented and/or purchased the media. In addition, articles ofinventory returned to a dispensing machine by a customer and insertedinto the article transfer opening thereof are preferably scanned andidentified by the dispensing machine, along with an identification ofits later stored position on the storage rack unit.

These electronic records can be shared among dispensing machines withina network thereof, and can also be shared with a centralized office viathe Internet or any other electronic data communication link. Theseelectronic records can be used to ensure that the inventory process iscarried out efficiently and accurately.

Each dispensing machine is connected to the Internet via a peripheraldevice like modem or satellite connection and commands can be sent froma centralized office to a specific machine in the network to inform aspecific machine to offload specific articles into the article transportstorage unit magazine for shipment to a centralized office.

Electronic records will also be transmitted to the machines indicatingthe new articles slated for inventory and upload into the machine.Therefore, when new inventory is loaded into a machine, each article canbe inspected and scanned for verification.

Article dispensing machine 230 incorporates a slot loading DVD drive inelectronic communication with a storage unit (e.g., hard drive) for themachine. The DVD drive can receive an uncased DVD from the robotic arm.The DVD drive then reads the content from the DVD media. The content isstored on the storage unit in the form of one or more computer files.The content is then available for fast access and presentation on theplasma video monitor. Accordingly, video, such as video related to adesired advertisement or trailer, can be read from DVD media at themachine location. The video content read from the DVD media is stored inthe storage unit and can be accessed and played on display monitor 245,as desired.

As a consumer approaches a dispensing machine, the consumer observes thedisplay monitor and the user interface. The consumer then enters theappropriate commands at the user interface control system associatedwith the dispensing machine to select a DVD to be dispensed by themachine. The user interface control system can employ simple menus and afixed set of keys for consumers to make their selections, it can employbreak-resistant touch screens, or it can employ a combination of both.Once a selection has been made, the consumer would then merely inserthis/her magnetically encoded dispense activation card into the cardreader slot positioned at the front of the dispensing machine and, inresponse, the machine will dispense the selected DVD without the needfor further input by the consumer.

It is not necessary for a consumer to become a member of a video rentalprogram in order to rent a movie. As an alternative, consumer can simplypay for rentals by credit card instead. With appropriate hardware, themachine is also configurable to accept currency.

For those consumers having a rental membership, the DVD rentalexperience can more readily be customized. The member can insert his/hermembership card into the card reader and enter his/her personalidentification number (“PIN”) when prompted through the user interfacecontrol system. In response to these commands, the consumer is presentedwith a customized, personal start-up menu. From this personalized menu,which can be customized to have suggested titles scroll across thescreen based on past renting patterns of the particular member and/orall members at the particular hosting location, the member selects apreviously reserved movie or selects a new movie from the list of titlesembodied in DVD media contained within the inventory of the dispensingmachine. Once the selection has been made, the robotic arm incorporatedin the machine will grab and cause the selected DVD to be dispensed,preferably in less than twenty seconds. The specific user request madeat the machine (e.g., renting a new movie or payment by credit card) isthen sent via satellite feed to a centralized system office in real-timefor processing. Such a procedure ensures accurate and rapid handling ofevery user request as well as secure billing to any credit card accountof the consumer.

When a consumer returns a DVD to a dispensing machine, he/she insertsthe membership card into the card reader on the front of the machine,enters his/her personal identification number when prompted and inputsthe appropriate additional commands to initiate the return process. Theconsumer then inserts the DVD into the dispensing/receiving receptacleon the front of the machine. A bar code reader inside the machine thenscans the returned DVD for its unique code and places the returned DVDback into the physical inventory of the machine to await the next rentalof that DVD. As an added convenience, consumers will have the option ofreturning a DVD to machines other than the one from which theyoriginally rented the movie, preferably for an additional charge tocover any additional incremental administrative costs.

The machines and software are preferably configured to automaticallyproduce and deliver a printed receipt to consumers renting or purchasingDVDs from a machine. They can also preferably send an email receipt to aconsumer, or cause a hardcopy receipt to be delivered to a consumer bymail upon request.

In addition, consumers can rent and/or purchase DVDs remote from thedispensing machines through use of the system website, alreadydescribed.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a system is provided for communication betweenthe article dispensing machine 30 and a central controller 302,preferably located remotely from the article dispensing machine 30. Itwill be understood that as used herein, the terms “central controller”and “central server” are, synonymous, and refer to a microprocessoroperating computer software that is configured to perform the softwaretasks described herein. Article dispensing, machine 30, as describedpreviously herein, is electronically controlled, and is equipped forthat purpose with electronic circuitry including a vending controller300. The vending controller 300 is responsible for generating the userinterface, processing commands received from the user interface,displaying information to the user and communicating with the vendingnetwork.

Generally, in terms of hardware architecture the server 302 includes aprocessor and/or controller, memory, and one or more input and/or output(I/O) devices (or peripherals) that are communicatively coupled via alocal interface. The local interface can be, for example, but notlimited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, asis known in the art. The local interface may have additional elements,which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches),drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communications. Further,the local interface may include address, control, and/or dataconnections to enable appropriate communications among the othercomputer components.

Processor/controller is a hardware device for executing software,particularly software stored in memory. Processor can be any custom madeor commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), anauxiliary processor among several processors associated with the server302, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip orchip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executingsoftware instructions. Examples of suitable commercially availablemicroprocessors are as follows: a PA-RISC series microprocessor fromHewlett-Packard Company, an 80×86 or Pentium series microprocessor fromIntel Corporation, a PowerPC microprocessor from IBM, a Sparcmicroprocessor from Sun Microsystems, Inc., or a 68xxx seriesmicroprocessor from Motorola Corporation. Processor may also represent adistributed processing architecture such as, but not limited to, SQL,Smalltalk, APL, KLisp, Snobol, Developer 200, MUMPS/Magic.

Memory can include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements(e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) andnonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.).Moreover, memory may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/orother types of storage media. Memory can have a distributed architecturewhere various components are situated remote from one another, but arestill accessed by processor.

The software in memory may include one or more separate programs. Theseparate programs comprise ordered listings of executable instructionsfor implementing logical functions. The software in memory includes asuitable operating system (O/S). A non-exhaustive list of examples ofsuitable commercially available operating systems is as follows: (a) aWindows operating system available from Microsoft Corporation; (b) aNetware operating system available from Novell, Inc.; (c) a Macintoshoperating system available from Apple Computer, Inc.; (d) a UNIXoperating system, which is available for purchase from many vendors,such as the Hewlett-Packard Company, Sun Microsystems, Inc., and AT&TCorporation; (e) a LINUX operating system, which is freeware that isreadily available on the Internet; (f) a run time Vxworks operatingsystem from WindRiver Systems, Inc.; or (g) an appliance-based operatingsystem, such as that implemented in handheld computers or personaldigital assistants (PDAs) (e.g., PalmOS available from Palm Computing,Inc., and Windows CE available from Microsoft Corporation). Operatingsystem essentially controls the execution of other computer programs andprovides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management,memory management, and communication control and related services.

Steps and/or elements, and/or portions thereof of the present inventionmay be implemented using a source program, executable program (objectcode), script, or any other entity comprising a set of instructions tobe performed. When a source program, the program needs to be translatedvia a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or maynot be included within the memory, so as to operate properly inconnection with the O/S. Furthermore, the software embodying the presentinvention can be written as (a) an object oriented programming language,which has classes of data and methods, or (b) a procedural programminglanguage, which has routines, subroutines, and/or functions, for examplebut not limited to, C, C++, Pascal, Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Perl, Java,and Ada.

The I/O devices may include input devices, for example but not limitedto, input modules for PLCs, a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone,touch screens, interfaces for various medical devices, bar code readers,stylus, laser readers, radio-frequency device readers, etc. Furthermore,the I/O devices may also include output devices, for example but notlimited to, output modules for PLCs, a printer, bar code printers,displays, etc. Finally, the I/O devices may further include devices thatcommunicate both inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, amodulator/demodulator (modem; for accessing another device, system, ornetwork), a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonicinterface, a bridge, and a router.

If the server 302 is a PC, workstation, PDA, or the like, the softwarein the memory may further include a basic input output system (BIOS).The BIOS is a set of essential software routines that initialize andtest hardware at startup, start the O/S, and support the transfer ofdata among the hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that theBIOS can be executed when server 302 is activated.

When server 302 is in operation, processor is configured to executesoftware stored within memory, to communicate data to and from memory,and to generally control operations of server 302 pursuant to thesoftware. The present invention and the O/S, in whole or in part, buttypically the latter, are read by processor, perhaps buffered within theprocessor, and then executed.

When the present invention is implemented in software, it should benoted that the software can be stored on any computer readable mediumfor use by or in connection with any computer related system or method.In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is anelectronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means thatcan contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection witha computer related system or method. The present invention can beembodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connectionwith an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as acomputer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system thatcan fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system,apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context ofthis document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that canstore, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.The computer readable medium can be for example, but not limited to, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, orsemiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readablemedium would include the following: an electrical connection(electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette(magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-onlymemory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber(optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM)(optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper oranother suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as theprogram can be electronically captured, via, for instance, opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted orotherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory.

For that purpose, article dispensing machine 30 is equipped with networkcommunication equipment and circuitry. In a preferred embodiment, thenetwork communication equipment includes a network card such as anEthernet card. In a preferred network environment, each of the pluralityof article dispensing machines 30 on the network is configured to usethe TCP/IP protocol to communicate via the network 301. It will beunderstood, however, that a variety of network protocols could also beemployed, such as IPX/SPX, Netware, PPP and others. It will also beunderstood that while a preferred embodiment of the present invention isfor article dispensing machine 30 to have a “broadband” connection tothe network 301, the principles of the present invention are alsopracticable with a dialup connection using a standard modem. Wirelessnetwork connections are also contemplated, such as wireless Ethernet,satellite, infrared and radio frequency networks.

Vending controller 300 is configured to transmit information to, andreceive information from, the network 301. While the Internet is thepreferred network method for interconnecting the network 301 of theplurality of article dispensing machines 30, it will also be understoodthat a private or closed network is also practicable herewith. Thenetwork 301 is preferably the Internet, but may be any network forplacing the plurality of article dispensing machines 30 in communicationwith the central controller 302. The network 301 serves to communicateinformation regarding vending transactions, and is also thereforereferred to herein as a “transaction network,” though as used herein,the terms “network” and “transaction network” are synonymous.

The central controller 302 is responsible for communicating with thevending controller 300 via the network 301. The central controller 302is preferably located at a central station that is remote from theplurality of article dispensing machines 30. The central controller 302operates as the server for communicating over the network 301 betweenthe plurality of article dispensing machines 30. The central controller302 receives communication from the article dispensing machines 30, andalso transmits information to the machines 30. For example, when a DVDrental transaction is performed at the article dispensing machine 30,transaction data such as the rented DVD title is then transmitted fromthe machine 30 to the central controller 302 via the network 301. Itwill be understood that servers in general, such as the centralcontroller 302, are often distributed.

As shown in FIG. 24, there are preferably a plurality of centralcontrollers 302. Thus, the controllers 302 are arranged in a “loadbalanced” architecture to improve the speed and efficiency of thenetwork. To accomplish the implementation of multiple controllers 302,the controllers 302 are in communication with a router/distributor 303.The router 303 receives communication from the network 301, anddistributes the communication to one of the plurality of controllers302. Likewise, when one of the controllers 302 transmits information,that information is received by the router 303 and then transmitted tothe network 301.

The central controller 302 is in communication with a central database304. The database 304 stores information regarding the transactionnetwork. For example, the database 304 stores data regarding the vendinginventory at each of the plurality of article dispensing machines 30.The database 304 also stores sales information regarding the salesquantities of the vending merchandise stored in the machines 30. Forexample, the database 304 stores information regarding the sales totalsfor each DVD title and for each machine 30 vending location. Database304 also stores user information and rental transaction information,such as user IDs, PINs, the date on which DVDs are due to be returnedand the date on which DVDs were rented from the machines 30.

Database 304 is preferably a relational database, although other typesof database architectures may be used without departing from theprinciples of the present invention. For example, database 304 may be aSQL database, an Access database or an Oracle database, and in any suchembodiment have the functionality stored herein. Database 304 is alsopreferably capable of being shared, as illustrated, between a pluralityof central controllers 302 and its information is also preferablycapable of being transmitted via network 301. It will be understood thata variety of methods exist for serving the information stored indatabase 304, such as ODBC, MySQL and CFML.

The central controller 302 and database 304 are also preferablyaccessible by a personal computer 306. The personal computer 306 will beunderstood as comprising hardware and software consistent withmarketable personal computers, such as a display monitor, a keyboard andmouse and a microprocessor. The personal computer also comprisesInternet browser software such as Mozilla or Internet Explorer. Usingthe browser software, a user at the personal computer 306 can access aweb interface through the central controller 302. To that end, centralcontroller 302 preferably comprises web server software such as IIS orApache. It will be understood that a variety of web server software andweb browser software exists to implement the principles of the presentinvention without departing therefrom. Through the web browser software,the personal computer 306 communicates with the central controller 302and allows the user to login to a central command functionality of thecentral controller 302 and to view and modify data stored in thedatabase 304. The browser interface also allows the user to performcertain system functions, which will affect the inventory and behaviorof the article dispensing machines 30.

In a preferred embodiment, a financial server 305 is also incommunication with the network 301. It will be understood that a varietyof financial services exist for processing financial information via theInternet and other networks 301. Those services allow for the processingof credit card and debit card information, so that users of the servicesdo not have to interface directly with credit and debit card companies.In FIG. 24, the financial server 305 is illustrated as a single server,although the financial server 305 may comprise an entire sub-network offinancial servers 305 responsible for processing financial information.

When a user interfaces with the article dispensing machine 30 andprovides financial information such as a credit card number, thatinformation is transmitted from the machine 30 via the network 301. Inone embodiment, the financial information is transmitted directly fromthe machine 30 to the financial server 305. In another embodiment, theinformation is transmitted to the central controller 302 first, and isthen transmitted to the financial server 305. In either of thoseembodiments, financial server 305 is responsible for processing thefinancial information received from the user at the article dispensingmachine 30. In another embodiment, financial server 305 software iscomprised in the central controller 302, and financial transactions areperformed by the central controller 302 without a separate financialserver 305.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a system and method is illustrated forregulating vendible media products. A plurality of vendible mediaproducts are provided in a first vending apparatus 30 (also referred toherein as article dispensing machine 30), located at a first vendinglocation. A list of vendible media products is received from a remotecontrol location from the vending location, wherein the list identifiesa subset of the vendible media products at the vending location. Asignal is then generated to place the subset of vendible media productsat the vending location in a predetermined area within the vendingapparatus 30 for removal from the vending apparatus 30 at the vendinglocation. The system and method allows for the user, or the systemitself, to remotely determine a set of DVD titles that will be removedfrom the vending inventory of the article dispensing machine 30.

First, as shown in step 315, the central controller 302 is accessed.Step 315 can be performed remotely, by a user at a personal computer 306(through the web browser interface described previously), or can beperformed by a user at the remote control location. Alternatively, step315 can be performed automatically by a microprocessor executingsoftware embodying the method for regulating vendible media products. Inother words, the method for regulating vending merchandise can beperformed manually by a user, or can be performed automatically by aprocessor configured to perform the steps of the method describedherein. The inventory database 304 is queried next, as shown in step307. The query of the database comprises first a determination of theinventory stored in the vending apparatus 30. In effect, a query is runto determine which DVDs are in the machine inventory.

Next, in step 308, sales data stored in the database 304 is queried. Inone embodiment, the analysis of the sales data in step 308 is todetermine how long the vendible media products have been stored in thevending inventory. For example, it is desirable to have a large quantityof new releases in the vending inventory, because new releases arefrequently the most popular titles for rental and/or purchase. To storethe new releases, older titles must first be removed. Thus, the queryingof the sales data in step 308 allows for the selection of DVD titlesthat have been stored in the vending inventory for longer than apredetermined period of time.

In another embodiment, the querying and analysis performed in step 308comprises a profitability analysis to determine which vendible mediaproducts (such as DVD titles) are selling well and which are not. Forexample, a vending inventory may comprise ten copies of DVD Title A andten copies of DVD Title B. It can be determined in step 308 which titleis selling better. For example, all ten copies of DVD Title A may bevended from the inventory, while only one copy of DVD Title B may bevended. In that event, the sales data analysis performed in 308 candetermine that it is advantageous to reduce the supply of DVD Title B inthe vending inventory and increase the supply of DVD Title A. Theanalysis in step 308 therefore allows the system or user to determinewhich vendible media products should be removed from the vendinginventory and which vendible media products should be added to thevending inventory.

In step 309, a manual user selection of vendible media products is madebased on the analysis performed in step 308. In one embodiment, thequerying in step 308 is performed manually by a user who personallyanalyzes the sales data stored in the database 304. In that embodiment,the user then selects the vendible media products, in step 309, that areto be removed from the vending inventory at the vending apparatus 30. Inanother embodiment, a microprocessor executing computer software is usedto generate, in step 310, a set of vendible media products. The computersoftware embodies the analysis performed in step 308. For example, thesoftware can be configured to automatically suggest the removal ofvendible media products that have been in the vending inventory forlonger than a predetermined period of time, such as two months. Asanother example, the software can be configured to automatically suggestthe removal of vendible products that are renting or selling below apredetermined threshold, such as 20%. As another example, the softwarecan embody an algorithm to suggest an adjustment of the vendinginventory to meet demand. (E.g., if the vending inventory contains tencopies of Title A, but only two copies are vended at any point in time,the software can be configured to suggest the removal of eight of thecopies of Title A.) The manual vendible media selection in step 309 andthe automatic selection in step 310 have the same result, and both arebased on the querying and analysis performed in step 308. The differenceis that step 309 is performed manually by a user, while step 309 isperformed automatically by a microprocessor executing computer software.In addition, the two steps 309, 310 can be performed jointly, such aswhere the software suggests a set of vendible media products and theuser adjusts the suggested set or adds to the selected set. Eitherembodiment is practicable in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention, and both embodiments are jointly practicable as well.

The next step in the method, illustrated as step 311, is to confirm theselection made in either or both of step 309 and 310. Step 311 isoptional, yet particularly helpful if the vendible media productselection was made automatically, as shown in step 310, without userinput. In that embodiment, the confirmation of the selection performedin step 311 assures user oversight of the method. Upon completion ofsteps 310 and 311, a list of vendible media products to be removed fromthe venting inventory is ready for transmission to the vendingcontroller 300.

In one embodiment, illustrated in step 312, the central controller 302at the central location then awaits for communication from the vendingcontroller 300. Communication between the central server 302 and thevending controller 300 is bidirectional, such that both controllers 300,302 can transmit data to and receive data from the other controller 300,302. However, it is advantageous for the central server 302 to onlytransmit data in response to communication from the vending controller300. It will be understood that in certain types of computer networks,the network address (e.g., IP address) of a network terminal will bestatic, and in other types of computer networks the network address willchange. In TCP/IP networks, for example, network addresses arefrequently static. But in PPP networks, network addresses are frequentlychanging. For that reason, it is advantageous in the present system fordata transmissions from the central server 302 to the vending controller300 to be made in response to communication from the vending controller300. That relieves the central server 302 of the burden of determiningthe network address for each of the vending controllers 300. Bycomparison, the network address of the-central server 302 in thatembodiment is preferably made static.

Thus, in step 312, the central server 302 awaits a communication fromthe vending controller 300. Such a communication is made, for example,when a rental transaction has occurred at the vending apparatus 30. Inthat embodiment, the central server 302, in response to thecommunication from the vending controller 300, transmits the list ofvendible media products to be removed from vending inventory to thevending controller 300. That step is illustrated as step 313. In anotherembodiment, the system proceeds to step 313 without awaitingcommunication from the vending controller 300.

The vending controller 300 receives the list of vending inventory fromthe central server 302, and in response thereto, generates in step 314 asignal to place the identified set of vendible media products in apredetermined location for removal from the vending location. Asdescribed previously, that step is physically accomplished byinstructing the robotic arm 46, 256 to remove the vendible mediaproducts (e.g., DVDs) from the vending inventory and place them in theportable vending management module (also referred to herein as anarticle transport unit) 38. Thus, when service personnel arrive to addinventory to the vending apparatus 30, the service personnel need simplyremove the vending management module 38, as described previously. Thatsaves the need for the service personnel to manually instruct themachine to place the vendible media products in the predeterminedlocation, because the vending controller 300 has already instructed therobotic arm 46, 256 to perform that step. In another embodiment, thepredetermined location for removal can be the article transfer opening44, 144, 244. In that embodiment, the service personnel identifiesherself, and in response, the vending controller 300 automaticallydelivers the inventory identified in steps 310 and 311 through thearticle transfer opening 44, 144, 244.

Referring now to FIG. 26, there is illustrated a system and method forthe offline vending of a vendible media product. The present inventionprovides for vendible media products to be distributed and thetransaction recorded, without requiring network connectivity between thevending controller 300 and the network 301. Beginning with step 316, thevending controller 300 receives a request from a user for a vendiblemedia product. For example, the user may request to rent a DVD from thevending apparatus 30. The vending controller 300 then determines, instep 317, whether communication with the central server 302 is capableof being established. It will be understood that there are a variety ofways to perform that function, including a “ping check” to determinewhether the vending controller 300 is in communication with the network301. Such a check also enables a determination of whether the centralserver 302 is in communication with the network. If the ping issuccessful, communication is capable of being established between thecontrollers 300, 302. If the ping is unsuccessful, communication istemporarily not capable of being established.

In the event that communication is capable of being established, thesystem then proceeds along an “online” mode of operation. In the“online” mode of operation, the transaction data (e.g., DVD titlerented, user identification information, user financial information,rental term, etc.) is transmitted to the central server 302 in step 318.Then, in step 319, the transaction data is deleted from the memory ofthe vending apparatus 30. The “online” mode of operation is thus toreceive transaction data and vend a selected vendible media product fromthe vending inventory, without storing the transaction data at thevending location.

However, in the event that the vending controller 300 determines, instep 317, that communication is not capable of being established, thesystem then proceeds in an “offline” mode of operation. In the “offline”mode, the system is still capable of vending and receiving mediaproducts, and therefore a loss of connectivity does not harm theoperation of the system. In one embodiment, the vending controller 300and/or central controller 302 checks the inventory database 304 todetermine whether user has exceeded a predetermined number of rentals.If the user has exceeded the predetermined number of rentals, then thetransaction is not performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the system restricts the number of rentalsthat can be made from a vending apparatus 30 while the vending apparatusis unable to establish a connection to the transaction network 301. Inanother embodiment, the system restricts the amount of time during whicha vending apparatus 30 will be operational while the vending apparatus30 is unable to establish a connection to the transaction network 301.In another embodiment, the system restricts the number of rentals thatcan be made by any one specific user while the vending apparatus 30 isunable to establish a connection to the transaction network 301. It willbe understood that such restrictions are embedded in the computersoftware and/or operating system of the vending controller 300.

In the offline mode, the system receives transaction data instep 320.Next, in step 321, the vending controller 300 stores the transactiondata in a vending memory located at the vending location and incommunication with the vending controller 300. Preferably, thetransaction data stored in the memory is also encrypted. A variety ofmethodologies are known for encrypting stored data. In a preferredembodiment, the transaction data is asymmetrically encrypted using apublic/private key encryption algorithm, wherein the public key ispublished by the central server 302. In a preferred embodiment, thetransaction data is timestamped as having occurred at the time of thetransaction. Thus, when the transaction data is ultimately uploaded tothe central server 302, the data will accurately reflect the time of thetransaction, not the time of the upload.

In a preferred embodiment, the vending controller 300 then marks thetransaction data as having occurred while the vending apparatus 30 wasin an “offline” state, as illustrated in step 322. Identifying thetransaction data as having occurred “offline” assists in generatingstatistical reports regarding the number of transactions that occur“online” versus “offline”, and also assists in identifying networkconnectivity problems at the plurality of vending locations.

As illustrated in step 317, the system then returns to a status ofdetermining whether communication with the central server 302 is capableof being established. If communication is capable of being established,the stored transaction data is uploaded to the central server 302,illustrated in step 318, and the transaction data is then deleted fromthe memory, illustrated in step 319.

It will be understood that the transaction data can comprise not onlyvending information such as DVD rental information, but can alsocomprise vending purchases, such as the purchase of a DVD from thevending inventory. Furthermore, the transaction data can also comprisereturn information, such as the return of a rented DVD to the vendinginventory.

Referring now to FIG. 27, there is illustrated a system and method forcommunicating vending information for a vendible media product. Avending request is received for the vendible media product at a firstlocation. Then, it is determined whether the vendible media product isin a first vending inventory within a first vending apparatus at thefirst location. Next, it is determined whether the vendible mediaproduct is in a second vending inventory within a second vendingapparatus at a second location, wherein that determination is performedif it is determined that the vendible media product is not at the firstlocation. Then, inventory data is transmitted, wherein the dataindicates whether the vendible media product is in the second vendinginventory apparatus at the second location. The system and method forcommunicating vending information allows for a user at a first locationto receive information indicating a second location at which a vendiblemedia product is located and can be rented or purchased. In oneembodiment, the first location is a vending apparatus 30. In anotherembodiment, the first location is a personal computer 306.

The method for communicating vending information begins as illustratedat step 323, where the system receives a vendible media productidentifier from a user. The product identifier simply identifies thevendible media product for which the user is searching. For example, ifthe user wishes to rent a DVD Title A, the product identifier receivedin step 323 will identify the requested vendible media product as DVDTitle A. Next, in step 324, the system determines whether the requestedvendible media product is in inventory. In one embodiment, thatdetermination is performed by vending controller 300, by checking thevending inventory at the vending location, and the result of thedetermination is displayed to the user via the display monitor 143. Inanother embodiment, that determination is performed by the centralcontroller 302, by consulting or querying the inventory database 304,and is then communicated to the user via the Internet 301 and the webbrowser software on the personal computer 306.

If the requested vendible media product is in the vending inventory atthe vending apparatus 30, a transaction interface is generated in step329, as in the “normal” mode of operation described herein. If, however,it is determined in step 324 that the requested vendible media productis not in the vending inventory, the system proceeds to step 325,wherein the system receives a location identifier. The locationidentifier identifies the location of the user.

The location identifier can be received from several sources. First, thelocation identifier can be received manually from a user at the vendinglocation. In that embodiment, the user interface 234, 42, 143 at thevending apparatus 30 requests that the user provide the locationidentifier. The user then supplies the location identifier using thekeypad or touch screen 234, 42. In that embodiment, the locationidentifier can be data that is easy to recall for the user, such as azip code. In another embodiment, the location identifier is receivedautomatically, from the vending controller 300. The vending controllerin that embodiment is provided with data identifying its own location,such as an address, an intersection, a global positioning identifier orother coordinate data identifying its physical location.

Next, in step 326, the location identifier is transmitted from thevending controller 300 to the central server 302. In essence, thevending controller 300 requests of the central server 302 the locationof the requested vendible media product. In step 327, the central server302 queries the database 304 to determine the location of the vendiblemedia product. A query is performed on the database 304 to determine avending apparatus 30 inventory having the requested vendible mediaproduct. The results of the query are then sorted according to theirlocation, and are ranked according to the locations that are closest tothe location identifier. For example, the first result will be thelocation of a vending apparatus 30 that is one block away, the secondresult will be the location of a vending apparatus 30 that is 1 mileaway, and so on. Further, the system may be optionally configured totransmit any predetermined number of locations. For example, the systemmay transmit to the user only one recommended location having therequested vendible media product, or the system may suggest any numberof locations having the product, wherein the suggestions are ranked inorder of proximity to the location identifier.

In step 328, the location of a vending apparatus 30 having the requestedvendible media product in its vending inventory is transmitted to theuser. The location can be displayed on the touch sensitive display 234at the vending apparatus 30. Then, in step 329, the system generates atransaction interface, wherein the user can rent or purchase therequested vendible media product, located at the second location, fromthe interface at the first location. Thus, the user interface at thefirst vending apparatus 30 allows the user to rent or purchase avendible media product from the inventory at a second, remotely locatedvending apparatus 30. The user rents or purchases the vendible mediaproduct via the user interface at the first vending location, and thetransaction data is transmitted to the central server 302, and then to avending controller 300 at the second vending location. Then, at thesecond vending location, the vending controller 300 receives useridentification, such as a credit card or identification card passedthrough the card reader 40, 142, 235 or a PIN provided by the user usingthe keypad 42. When the vending controller 300 at the second vendinglocation has confirmed the identity of the user, the vending controller300 generates a signal in step 331 to deliver the vendible media productto the user at the second vending location.

In another embodiment, a system for communicating vending information isprovided to communicate the location of a requested vendible mediaproduct to a user using a personal computer 306. In that embodiment, thesystem for communicating vending information is embodied in aninteractive website in communication with the central server 302. A useruses browser software at the personal computer 306 to visit the website,and provides first, in step 323, a requested vendible media product. Forexample, the user selects a DVD title from a list of titles displayed onthe website. Then, in step 325, the user provides a location identifiersuch as a zip code. In step 326, the location identifier is transmittedfrom the user's personal computer 306 to the central server 302. Thecentral server in step 327 consults with or queries the database 304 todetermine the location of a vending apparatus 30 that both has therequested vendible media product in its vending inventory and is locatedwithin a proximity to the location identifier. In step 328, the centralserver transmits the location of that vending apparatus 30 to the user,thereby notifying the user of the location of the vending apparatus 30that has the requested vendible media product.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated in step 329, the website thenprovides a transaction interface, whereby the user can purchase or rentthe requested vendible media product using the personal computer 306 andthe website. The user may then travel to the location of the vendingapparatus 30 to receive the vendible media product that she rented orpurchased through the website. In a preferred embodiment illustrated instep 330, the vending apparatus 30 receives a user identification fromthe user, such as a credit card, user identification card,username/password or PIN, and then in step 331 the vendible mediaproduct is delivered to the user, preferably through article transferopening 44. In another embodiment, if the requested vendible mediaproduct is not located at the vending apparatus 30, the user may providean electronic mail address; when the requested vendible media product isin the vending inventory at that vending apparatus 30, the user will betransmitted an electronic mail message indicating that the requestedvendible media product is at that point in the inventory. Preferably,the electronic message further comprises a uniform resource locator,whereby the user can reserve the vendible media product via theInternet.

Referring now to FIG. 28, there is provided a system and method forcommunicating vending information. A vending controller 300 receives aplurality of transaction data from a plurality of users regarding aplurality of transactions, and stores each of the plurality oftransaction data in a memory located within the vending apparatus 30.The vending controller 300 then receives a request for communicationfrom the central server 302 and in response thereto, transmits theplurality of transaction data to the central server 302.

Initially, as illustrated in step 332, the vending controller receivestransaction data from the user. The transaction data comprisesinformation concerning the transaction performed by the vendingapparatus 30. For example, the transaction data can comprise a useridentification, a vendible media product identification (e.g., a serialnumber of a rented DVD) and financial information such as the user'scredit or debit card number. The vending controller then stores thetransaction data in a memory, illustrated in step 333, and preferablyencrypts the data. As discussed herein, a variety of encryption schemesare practicable with the present invention. A preferred encryptionscheme is an asymmetric public/private key encryption scheme, whereinthe public key is published by the central server 302. In a preferredembodiment illustration in step 334, the transaction data is alsotimestamped, so that the transaction data when uploaded to the centralserver 302 will reflect the actual time of the transaction as opposed tothe time of the upload.

In step 335, the vending controller 300 checks to determine whether apredetermined period of time has elapsed since the transmission oftransaction data to the central server 302. The predetermined period oftime is configurable by vending personnel at either the vendingcontroller 300 or the central server 302. The predetermined period oftime determines the frequency with which the vending controller 300uploads transaction data to the central server 302. For example, if thepredetermined period of time is two minutes, the vending controller 300will transmit any stored transaction data to the central server 302every two minutes.

In step 336, the vending controller 300 checks to determine if thestored transaction data has exceeded a predetermined storage threshold.The storage threshold is configurable by vending personnel at eithervending controller 300 or the central server 302. The storage thresholddetermines a memory storage limit. If the limit is exceeded, the vendingcontroller 300 uploads transaction data to the central server 302. Forexample, if the predetermined storage threshold is 1 megabyte, thevending controller 300 will transmit any stored transaction data to thecentral server 302 upon a determination that the stored transaction dataexceeds 1 megabyte in memory storage.

The vending controller 300 and its attendant computer software can befigured to upload transaction data upon either or both of the expirationof the predetermined time interval and the reaching of the predeterminedstorage threshold. In other words, either or both of those events cantrigger the uploading of the transaction data. The option of which eventto use, or to use both, is configurable by vending personnel at eitherthe vending controller 300 or the central server 302.

As illustrated in step 337, upon the triggering of one or both of theaforementioned events, the transaction data is uploaded to the centralserver 302, similarly to the “normal” mode of operation. In step 338,the transaction data is then deleted from the memory at the vendingapparatus 30.

The present invention further provides a system for communicatingvending information via a transaction network, as illustrated in FIG.24. The system further comprises a remote control center, which is aphysical location housing the central server 302. The central server(and thereby, the remote control center) is in communication with thevending controller 300. The central server 302 receives a communicationfrom the vending controller 300 at a predetermined time interval, asdiscussed herein. The central server 302 also receives a plurality oftransaction data from the vending controller 300, wherein each of theplurality of transaction data corresponds to a rental transaction fromthe vending apparatus 30. In a preferred embodiment, each of theplurality of transaction data corresponds in particular to a rentaltransaction for a DVD.

The present invention further provides a system for communicatingvending information comprising a transaction network as illustrated inFIG. 24 and a vending controller 300 in communication with thetransaction network. The vending controller 300 transmits, at apredetermined time interval, a communication to a central server 302located at a remote control center. The vending controller 300 is alsopreferably configured to receive a request for information from thecentral server 302. The vending controller 300 transmits a plurality oftransaction data to the central server 302, wherein each of theplurality of transaction data corresponds to a rental transaction.

Referring now to FIG. 29, there is illustrated a system and method forselling a rental media product, whereby a user who rents a vendiblemedia product from a vending apparatus 30 may then have the option topurchase the vendible media product. Transaction data is received from auser interface, wherein the transaction data comprises an electronicmail address for a user. The rental product is then vended from thevending apparatus 30 to the user, and an electronic mail message istransmitted to the electronic mail address, wherein the electronic mailmessage comprises an invitation to purchase the rental media product.

The vending controller initially receives transaction data from a user,as illustrated in step 340. The transaction data comprises informationrelated to the specific transaction performed at the vending apparatus30, such as vending product information (e.g., the serial number of arented DVD), user identification information and financial informationsuch as the user's credit or debt card number. The vending controller300 also receives an electronic mail address from the user. It will beunderstood, however, that an electronic mail address comprises not onlytraditional electronic mail such as POP and IMAP electronic mailsystems, but also comprises instant messaging protocols and alphanumericprotocols as well. Thus, the electronic mail address received by thevending controller 302 is an address to which a message may beelectronically transmitted, and is not limited to traditional electronicmail.

After the vending controller 300 receives the transaction data andelectronic mail address from the user, the remainder of the method canthen be performed immediately, while the transaction is still occurringat the article dispensing machine 30, or can occur later by electronicmail. In either embodiment, the steps of the method remain largely thesame. First, a controller checks to determine whether the product isavailable for purchase. That check may be performed by either thevending controller 300 or the central server 302. In one embodiment, thevendible media rental product is offered for sale immediately, while theuser is still physically present at the article dispensing machine 30.In that embodiment, the vending controller 300 checks a local databaseto determine whether the requested vendible media rental product hasbeen flagged as a vending product that can be offered for sale.Optionally, the vending controller transmits information identifying thevending product to the central server 302 and receives from the centralserver 302 information that identifies the requested vendible mediarental product as a vending product that can be offered for sale.

In another embodiment, the central server 302 performs the check todetermine whether the vendible media rental product can be offered forsale. Typically, that step is performed by querying a database 304. Avendible media rental product may be flagged as a vending product thatcan be offered for sale either by vending personnel, manually, or by thesystem automatically. Computer software operated by a microprocessor atthe central server 302 can be configured to determine whether a productshould be offered for sale. For example, the software can be configuredto determine the percentage of vendible media rental products of acertain type that are being rented. The software can then suggest thatthe percentage of the products not being rented be offered instead forsale. For instance, if only 20% of the inventory of DVD Title A is everrented by a vending apparatus 30 at any time, the software can beconfigured to automatically suggest that the remaining 80% of thevending inventory of DVD Title A be offered for sale to users at thevending apparatus 30. That determination of whether a product should beoffered for sale, and the quantity and price at which the product shouldbe offered, may thus be made automatically by the system, or may be mademanually by the user. In either event, the vending controller 300 and/orcentral server 302 determine in step 341 whether the requested vendiblemedia rental product has been identified as a vending product that canbe offered for sale.

If the controller 300, 302 determines that the vendible media rentalproduct has not been identified as a product that can be offered forsale, the method for selling the product terminates. If, however, it isdetermined in step 341 that the product can be offered for sale, thecontroller 300, 302 then determines the sale price of the vendingproduct. In one embodiment, the central server 302 consults or queriesdatabase 304 to determine a user-defined sale price. The user-definedsale price is a price established and recorded in the database 304 byvending personnel, who have manually determined the price at which thevendible media rental product should be sold. In another embodiment, thesale price is recorded in the database 304 automatically by computersoftware executed by the central server 302 or another controllerlocated at the remote control center. The software is configured todetermine the price at which the vending inventory should be offered forsale in order to both meet customer demand at the vending apparatus 30and meet predetermined thresholds of profitability established by thevending personnel.

In another embodiment, the sale price of a vendible media rental productis determined by the vending controller 300 at the article dispensingmachine 30. The sale price can be stored in an inventory database localto the machine 30, or can be identified on the vendible media rentalproduct itself. The vending controller 300 can then generate a userinterface comprising an offer to the user to purchase the vendible mediarental product, so that the product is offered for sale immediately tothe user upon vending.

In another embodiment, the vendible media rental product is offered forsale at a later time, after it has been vended to the user, such as in avending rental transaction. A controller located at the remote controllocation, such as the central server 302, generates a purchase offer andtransmits the purchase offer to the user-provided electronic mailaddress, as illustrated in step 345. In a preferred embodiment, themessage transmitted to the user in step 345 includes a website address,which the user can then visit using personal computer 306 and therebyelectronically purchase the rented product. Because the user has alreadyprovided financial transaction information to the vending apparatus 30at the time of the rental of the vendible media rental product, the userneed not provide financial information again. Rather, the user need onlyprovide user identification information, such as the last four digits ofthe credit or debit card used during the rental transaction, or a zipcode corresponding to the financial account used during the rentaltransaction. Alternatively, the message transmitted to the user-providedelectronic mail address can comprise instructions, wherein theinstructions instruct the user to physically visit a vending apparatus30 to purchase the vendible media rental product. Alternatively, thepurchase offer can be transmitted to the user upon returning the productto the vending apparatus 30.

In a preferred embodiment, a controller at the remote control centersuch as the central server 302 determines whether a predetermined periodof time has elapsed, as illustrated in step 343. The predeterminedperiod of time determines the time interval at which purchase offers forthe vendible media rental product will be transmitted to the user. Thepredetermined time period is configurable by an administrative user,such as vending personnel at the remote control location or anadministrative user accessing the control facility using a personalcomputer 306. For example, if the predetermined period of time isconfigured to be one day, then the system will transmit a purchase offerto the user once per day. If the controller determines that thepredetermined period of time has not elapsed, the controller checksagain in a “loop” fashion and does not proceed until the predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed.

In a preferred embodiment, a controller at the remote control locationsuch as the central server 302 determines whether the vendible mediarental product has been returned by the user before transmitting apurchase offer to the user. If the product has been returned by the userto the vending apparatus 30, the purchase offer is not transmitted tothe user-provided electronic mail address. If, however, the rentalproduct has not been returned to the vending apparatus 30, then thepurchase offer is transmitted to the user-provided electronic mailaddress.

In a preferred embodiment, the vendible media rental product is removedfrom the vending inventory after it has been purchased by the user,illustrated in step 347. That step may be accomplished by marking thevending product as “sold” in the inventory database 304, and may also beaccomplished by deleting the vendible media rental product from theinventory database 304. It will be understood that the steps oftransmitting the purchase offer to the user-provided email address,generating the transaction interface for the purchase of the vendingproduct, and reflecting such purchase in the inventory database can beaccomplished by either the central server 302, the vending controller300 or another controller at a location remote from the vendingapparatus 30. In a preferred embodiment, those steps are performed by acontroller located at the remote control location.

The present invention provides a system for selling vendible mediarental products, wherein a central server 302 at a central locationreceives transaction data from a vending controller 300 at a vendinglocation. The transaction data comprises an identifier, which identifiesa rental product, and further comprises an electronic mail address. Thesystem further comprises an electronic mail application, preferablyresiding on a server 302 at the central location. The electronic mailapplication transmits an electronic mail message to the electronic mailaddress, wherein the message comprises an invitation to purchase therental product. The system further comprises a purchase application,preferably residing on a server 302 at the central location. Thepurchase application receives a second transaction data from a user,wherein the second transaction data comprises a request to purchase therental product.

Referring now to FIG. 30, there is illustrated a system and method forcalibrating a vending apparatus 30. As used herein, the term “vendingapparatus” refers to a vending-machine style device, such as articledispensing machine 30. The vending apparatus 30 is equipped with anoptical sensor 370 for sensing objects stored in the inventory of theapparatus. A variety of forms of optical sensors are practicable withthe present invention without departing from the principles thereof,including an optical laser scanner, a magnetic scanner, an optical barcode reader, an ultraviolet optical scanner and an infrared opticalscanner. It will be understood that optical sensors such as opticalsensor 370 have sensitivity settings that determine the amount of lightthat will be sensed by the optical sensor 370. It will be furtherunderstood that such optical sensors are operated by an opticalsensitivity controller, which controls the optical sensitivity of theoptical sensor and processes data received by the optical sensor.

The optical sensor and its controller are preferably mounted on aselector arm 373, as illustrated in FIG. 32. As illustrated in step 348,one step of the method for calibrating the vending apparatus is toinitialize the optical sensor 370 such that the optical sensor 370 hasan initial optical sensitivity setting of zero.

As illustrated in step 349, the optical sensitivity setting of theoptical sensor 370 is then incremented, such that the opticalsensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370 is greater than zero. Theoptical sensor controller then checks, in step 350, to determine whetherthe optical sensor 370 has optically sensed one of the objects in theinventory of the vending apparatus. If the optical sensor 370 has notsensed one of the objects, then the optical sensor controller againincrements the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370. Asillustrated by steps 349 and 350, this “loop” is repeated until theoptical sensor 370 optically senses one of the objects in the inventoryof the vending apparatus 30.

Upon the optical sensing of one of the objects, the optical sensorcontroller stores the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor370 as a first optical sensitivity setting, illustrated in step 351. Itwill be understood that the setting may also be stored by anothercontroller within the vending apparatus, such as the vending controller300. Then, as illustrated by step 352, the optical sensor controllerdecrements the optical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370,such that it is less than the first optical sensitivity setting at whichthe optical sensor 370 sensed the object. The controller 371 thendetermines, in step 353, whether the optical sensor 370 no longerdetects the object. If the optical sensor 370 does continue to detectthe object, the optical sensor controller 371 again decrements theoptical sensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370, and performs thesame check to determine whether the optical sensor 370 continues tosense the object. As illustrated by steps 352 and 353, this “loop”continues until the optical sensor 370 is no longer able to opticallysense the object in the vending apparatus inventory.

Upon the inability of the optical sensor 370 to sense the vendinginventory object, the optical sensor controller 371 stores the opticalsensitivity setting of the optical sensor 370 as a second opticalsensitivity setting, illustrated in step 354. It will be understood thatthe second setting may also be stored by another controller within thevending apparatus, such as the vending controller 300. The combinationof the first and second optical sensitivity settings establishes anupper and lower bound of optical sensitivity, within which range theoptical sensor 370 is capable of sensing an object in the vendingapparatus inventory.

As illustrated in step 355, the optical sensor controller 371 selects athird optical sensitivity setting, wherein the third optical sensitivitysetting is within the range defined by the first and second opticalsensitivity settings. In one embodiment, the third optical sensitivitysetting is the average of the first and second optical sensitivitysettings. It will be understood that the selection of the third opticalsensitivity setting can be performed by another controller within thevending apparatus 30, such as the vending controller 300. It will beunderstood that an optical sensor 370 is used to optically sense theobject in the vending inventory. However, other types of sensors can beused without departing from the principles of the present invention,such as radio frequency sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a system and method for calibrating a vendingapparatus 30 is provided. Illustrated in step 356 an optical sensor 370senses a first position on a compartmentalized storage device, such asthe storage device 369 illustrated in FIG. 32. The optical sensorcontroller 371 records that position as a horizontal base referenceposition in step 357. The optical sensor 370 then senses a secondposition on the compartmentalized storage device 369, in step 358, andthe optical sensor controller 371 records that position as a verticalbase reference position in step 359. In a preferred embodiment, thevertical and horizontal base reference positions are the same position,forming a position denoted by a coordinate pair such as (0,0).

A selector arm 373 on which the optical sensor 370 is preferably locatedis then moved, as illustrated in step 360. While the selector arm isbeing moved, the optical sensor 370 tracks the motion of the selectorarm 373. A variety of methodologies for tracking the movement of theselector arm 373 are practicable with the present invention. In oneembodiment, the selector arm 373 is operated by a controller, whichdirects the movement of the selector arm 373 by a predetermineddistance. The predetermined distance corresponds to a dimension (height,width or depth) of one of the objects stored in the inventory of thevending apparatus. For example, the selector arm controller can instructthe selector arm to move “up” a distance of seven inches, wherein thedimension of seven inches corresponds to a height of a DVD stored in theinventory of the vending apparatus. The sensor 370 then senses the newposition of the selector arm 373 after the motion of the selector arm373 has been completed. Alternatively, the sensor 370 can sense themotion of the selector arm 373 while the selector arm 373 is in motion.

In another embodiment, the selector arm controller instructs theselector arm 373 to move in a direction (up, down, left, right), and thesensor 370 optically scans the inventory of the vending apparatus untila new vending object is detected. Upon detection of the new vendingobject, the sensor 370 transmits a signal to the selector arm controllerto stop the motion of the selector arm 373. In that embodiment, theselector arm 373 is in effect driven by input from the sensor 370. Forexample, the selector arm controller can direct the selector arm 373 tomove “up,” at which time the sensor 370 optically senses DVD Title A inthe inventory. When the sensor 370 optically senses DVD Title B in theinventory, the sensor 370 transmits a signal to the selector armcontroller to stop the movement of the selector arm 373.

In a preferred embodiment, the compartmentalized storage device 369comprises a plurality of compartmentalized rows 250 wherein each of thecompartmentalized rows 250 comprises a plurality of compartments 254.Each of the compartments 254 corresponds to a horizontal position, andeach of the rows corresponds to a vertical position, such that eachcompartment 254 within the storage device 369 has a position defined bya coordinate pair such as (0,0). The present invention provides a systemand method for sensing the position of a selector arm 373 with respectto the storage device 369, and for directing the selector arm 373 to acompartment 254 of the storage device 369.

In one embodiment, the sensor 370 senses an object within the storagedevice 369, as described herein. The sensor 370 then communicates thatdata to a controller within the vending apparatus, such as vendingcontroller 300. The controller 300 then determines, by consulting orquerying a vending database within the vending apparatus, the positionof the selector arm 373 with respect to the storage device 369. Forexample, the inventory database can store information relating DVD TitleA to position (1,2), denoting that DVD Title A is stored in the firstcompartmentalized row 250, in the second compartment 254 within thatrow. Then, at a later time, the controller 300 can require the selectorarm to be positioned relative to another compartment 254 on the storagedevice 369, which stores for example DVD Title B. The controller 300consults or queries the inventory database to determine the compartment254 in which DVD Title B is stored, for example, the compartment 254denoted by the coordinate pair (3,7). The controller 300 then transmitsthat position to the selector arm 373, which moves the selector arm tothe third compartmentalized row 250 and the seventh compartment 254within that row 250. The optical sensor 370 can then be used to verifythe position of the selector arm relative to the storage device 369, orcan be used to control the motion of the selector arm 373 while it isbeing moved, as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 32, the storage compartment 369 is adjacent to theselector arm 373. FIG. 32 is a relief illustration of the interior ofthe vending apparatus 30 illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. Thecompartmentalized storage device 369 is preferably a carousel-style,cylindrical storage facility having a plurality of compartmentalizedrows 250 wherein each of the rows 250 has a plurality of compartments254. In each of the compartments 254 can be stored a vending product,such as a DVD. A motor 253 comprised of a plurality of wheels rotatesthe storage device 369 about a vertical axis 252. Positioned adjacent tothe storage device 369 is the selector arm 373, which moves verticallyalong a second vertical axis 258. The selector arm is driven by a secondmotor 260, which may be positioned on the vertical axis 258, asillustrated. Alternatively, the second motor 260 may be positioned onthe selector arm 373. In a preferred embodiment, the motors 253, 260 arestepper motors. The selector arm 373 comprises at least one conveyor 374such as a conveyor belt 374, which contacts one of the media products inone of the compartments 254 and conveys the product to the articletransfer opening 44, 144, 244, whereby it is delivered to a user on theexterior of the article dispensing machine 30. The conveyor 374 isdriven by a motor 372. The sensor 370 is preferably, as illustrated,mounted on the selector arm 373, as is the sensor controller 371.

Referring again to FIG. 31, the system and method for calibrating thevending apparatus uses a coordinate-style map to remove products from,and place products into, the storage device 369. In one embodiment, thecontroller (such as the vending controller 300 or the sensor controller371) analyzes the coordinates of a vending product stored within one ofthe compartments 254. The coordinates comprise a vertical coordinate anda horizontal coordinate, wherein the vertical coordinate refers to oneof the plurality of compartmentalized rows 250 and the horizontalcomponent refers to one of the compartments 254 within that row 250. Thecontroller 371 then analyzes the vertical coordinate of the coordinatepair to determine whether to advance the selector arm 373 up or downalong the vertical axis 258. If the vertical coordinate is greater thanthe present vertical base reference position of the selector arm 373, asdetermined in step 367, the controller 371 instructs the motor 260 toadvance the selector arm 373 in an “up” direction along the verticalaxis 258, as illustrated in step 363. If the vertical coordinate is lessthan the present vertical base reference position of the selector arm373, as determined in step 368, the controller 371 instructs the motor260 to advance the selector arm 373 in a “down” direction along thevertical axis 258, as illustrated in step 364. Thus, the selector arm373 is positioned at the vertical coordinate received from thecontroller 300, 371, wherein the vertical coordinate refers to one ofthe plurality of compartmentalized rows 250.

The controller 371 also analyzes the horizontal coordinate of thecoordinate pair, wherein the horizontal coordinate refers to one of thestorage compartments 254 in one of the rows 250. If the horizontalcoordinate is greater than the present horizontal base referenceposition of the selector arm 373, as determined in step 366, thecontroller 371 instructs the motor 253 to rotate the storage device 369in a clockwise direction, as illustrated in step 362. If, however, thehorizontal coordinate is less than the present horizontal base referenceposition of the selector arm 373, as determined in step 365, thecontroller 371 instructs the motor 253 to rotate the storage device 369in a counterclockwise direction, as illustrated in step 361. Thus, afterthe rotation is complete, the selector arm 373 will be aligned with thestorage compartment 254 corresponding to the coordinate pair.

It will be understood that a motor 253 capable of rotating in a singledirection (i.e., clockwise or counter-clockwise) is practicable with thepresent invention, because the storage device 369 is cylindrical. Inparticular, if the horizontal coordinate of the coordinate pair is lessthan the present horizontal base reference position of the selector arm373, the controller 371 can instruct the motor 253 to rotate the storagedevice 369 clockwise until the selector arm 373 is aligned with thecorrect compartment 254. Thus, either a unidirectional or bidirectionalmotor 253 can be used to rotate the storage device 369.

Referring now to FIG. 33, a system and method for managing vendinginventory is illustrated. An inventory descriptor is generated, whereinthe inventory descriptor corresponds to a set of vendible mediaproducts. The set of vendible media products comprises a first andsecond vendible media product storeds in first and second locations 391,respectively. A signal is generated to dispense the first vendible mediaproduct from the first location 391, and a second signal is generated todispense the second vendible media product from the second location 391.The set of vendible media products is then secured in a vending deliverymodule 238.

An inventory descriptor is generated in step 380, wherein the descriptorcorresponds to a set of vendible media products such as DVDs, whereinthe set of vendible media products comprises first and second vendingproducts stored in first and second locations 391, respectively. Asignal is then generated, in step 382, to provide the first vendiblemedia product from the first location 391 and the second vendible mediaproduct from the second location 391. The first and second products arethen, in step 383, secured within a vending delivery module 238.

The generation of the inventory descriptor is illustrated in steps 375,378, 379 and 380. In step 375, the vending supplier selects the vendingproducts that it wishes to purchase from the product supplier. Forexample, the operator of vending apparatus 30 selects a plurality of DVDtitles that it wishes to supply in the vending apparatus 30. The vendingsupplier also determines, for each of the vending locations, a set ofinventory that will be placed at that vending location. Next, in step378, those inventory allocations are entered into a database 304. Theinventory data in the database is used to create delivery allocations,in step 379, corresponding to merchandising routes. For example, theinventory allocation for a first vending apparatus 30 located alongmerchandising route A will be organized so as to coincide with theinventory allocation for a second vending apparatus 30 that is alsolocated along merchandising route A. Thus, the product inventories formultiple vending apparatuses 30 are organized based on merchandisingroutes, to assure a more efficient method of distribution of theproducts.

In step 380, an inventory descriptor is generated, wherein the inventorydescriptor refers to a set of vendible media products. The inventorydescriptor identifies the quantity and type of each of the vendiblemedia products that will be in the inventory of the vending deliverymodule 238 which the inventory descriptor identifies. For example, ifthe vending supplier wishes to secure 10 copies of DVD Title A and 20copies of DVD Title B within a vending delivery module 238, an inventorydescriptor will be generated in step 380 that identifies those inventoryallocations. The inventory descriptor itself may be an opticallyreadable media, such as a bar code, an infrared code or an ultravioletcode, or may also be a radio frequency identifier that is readable by aradio frequency receiver.

In step 376, the vendible media products that have been selected by thevending supplier are shipped to the supplier. In step 377, the productsare arranged in predetermined locations 391. The predetermined locations391 can be storage bins or friction feeders. Each predetermined location391 stores a particular type of vendible media product. For example, allof the copies of DVD Title A will be stored in storage bin A, all copiesof DVD Title B will be stored in storage bin B, etc. In step 381, theinventory descriptor is scanned. The scanning can be performed by anoptical sensor such as a bar code reader, an ultraviolet reader or aninfrared reader, and can also be performed by a radio frequencyreceiver. Based on the scanning of the inventory descriptor, thevendible media products identified by the inventory descriptor arereleased from the predetermined locations 391 according to thequantities specified by the inventory descriptor, as illustrated in step382. For example, if the inventory descriptor specifies 10 copies of DVDTitle A and 20 copies of DVD Title B, then upon scanning that inventorydescriptor, a controller will generate a signal to release 10 DVDproducts from storage bin A and 20 DVD products from storage bin B.

In step 382, the set of vendible media products identified by theinventory descriptor is secured in the vending delivery module 238. Thephysical process of securing the vendible media products is describedelsewhere herein. Referring to FIG. 34, a system for securing thevendible media products within the vending delivery module 238 isillustrated. The vendible media products are stored within predeterminedlocations 391, such as storage bins or friction feeders. Each of thelocations 391 stores a particular type of vendible media product. Thevendible media products are delivered from the locations 391 to thevending module by a conveyor 392. In one embodiment, the conveyor 392 isa conveyor belt, along which the vendible media products travel from thestorage locations 391 to the vending delivery module 328. Upon arrival,they are either placed manually into the vending module 238, or areautomatically fed into the vending delivery module 238 by use of afunnel sorter 393. In another embodiment, the conveyor 392 is gravityitself, and the vendible media products are dropped from the storagelocations 391, which are located above a sorter 393, and are therebydelivered to the vending delivery module 238.

Referring again to FIG. 33, the inventory descriptor is attached to thevending delivery module 238, as illustrated in step 384. The vendingdelivery modules 238 are then organized according to a merchandisingroute, such that a plurality of vending delivery modules 238 can bedelivered to a plurality of vending apparatuses 30 in a singlemerchandising trip. In step 385, vending personnel deliver the vendingdelivery modules 238 to the vending locations and insert the vendingdelivery modules 238 into the vending apparatuses 30, as describedelsewhere herein. The vendible media products are thereby delivered tothe vending apparatus 30. In step 386, the system optionally generatesinventory reports. The reports can be generated at the remote controlcenter, by a user using a personal computer 306 accessing the controlfunctionality of the remote center via a web browser or by the vendingcontroller 30 at the vending location. The inventory report containsdata identifying the inventory in the vending apparatus 30, includingthe inventory that has been rented from, returned to and purchased fromthe vending apparatus 30.

In step 388, the system determines whether there are any problems thathave arisen as a result of the inventory delivery process. One exampleof a problem that may arise is that a vending delivery module 238 mayhave been mistakenly delivered to the wrong vending location. Anotherexample of a potential problem is that a vending delivery module 238 mayhave been tampered with, and vendible media products may be missing fromthe vending delivery module 238. Thus, in step 388, the system analyzesthe inventory report generated in step 387 to determine if any suchproblems have arisen. The analysis of the inventory report may beperformed either manually by a user or automatically by the vendingcontroller 300 or the central server 302. The analysis is performed bycomparing the inventory report generated in step 387 with themerchandising list set generated in steps 378 and 379. The analysis maybe performed by the central server 302 by comparing the inventorydatabase 304 data with the inventory report generated in step 386 anduploaded to the central server 302 by the vending controller 300.Alternatively, the analysis may be performed by the vending controller300 by comparing local inventory database data with central database 304data received from the central server 302.

If in step 388 it is determined that inventory was incorrectlydelivered, the vending controller 300 can initiate a return process instep 389, whereby incorrectly delivered vendible media products areplaced within a vending delivery module 238 at the vending location forpickup by vending personnel. Alternatively, as illustrated in step 390,any problems identified in step 388 can be investigated and addressedmanually by vending personnel at either the remote control location orthe vending location.

Referring now to FIGS. 43 and 44, a system and method for managing aplurality of vendible media products is illustrated. In step 427, avending delivery module 238 is received containing a plurality ofvendible media products. For example, a vending delivery module 238 canbe received containing vendible media products that have been returnedfrom a vending apparatus 30 as products that are no longer to be rentedat the vending apparatus 30 because they have exceed a predeterminedshelf life period of time. In step 428, the plurality of vendible mediaproducts are removed from the vending delivery module 238, preferably byrotating an interior axis within the vending delivery module 238, asdescribed elsewhere herein. In step 429, each of the plurality ofvendible media products is scanned, preferably by a scanner 440. Thescanner 440 can be an optical scanner such as a bar code reader, aninfrared scanner or an ultraviolet scanner. The scanner 440 can also bea radio frequency receiver, wherein each of the plurality of vendiblemedia products is affixed with a radio frequency product identifier.

As the vendible media products are scanned, the identifying informationfrom the vendible media products (e.g., title of the product, serialnumber of the product, SKU, etc.) are electronically transmitted to aserver for recordation in the inventory database 304. Using thatinformation from the database 304, packing lists are then generated instep 434, and the vendible media products are gathered into groupsaccording to their type.

After a vendible media product is scanned, a determination is made as towhether the vendible media product has been identified, as illustratedin step 431. If the product is not identified in step 430, it iscollected in a universal predetermined location 391, such as a storagebin, as illustrated in FIG. 44. If the vendible media product isidentified in step 403, the product is delivered from the vendingdelivery module 238 to a predetermined storage location 391, such as astorage bin, according to the type of the vendible media product. Forexample, if the vendible media product is identified in step 330 asbeing a DVD having the title “Crossroads”, the vendible media product isdelivered in step 433 from the vending delivery module 238 to thepredetermined storage bin 391, wherein the storage bin 391 collects allvendible media products having the title “Crossroads”. The plurality ofvendible media products are thus sorted according to their type, basedon information received from the vendible media products during the scanperformed in step 429.

To deliver the vendible media product from the vending delivery module238 to the predetermined location 391, a conveyance means such as aconveyor belt 441 can be used. Alternatively, a friction feeder or afunnel can be used to sort the plurality of vendible media products. Instep 436, each of the plurality of predetermined locations 391 isgathered according to its type. In step 437, it is determined,preferably by a server such as the central server 302, whether thevendible media products are to be reallocated to the plurality ofvending apparatuses 30. For example, vending personnel may determinethat while the “Crossroads” type of vendible media product did not rentsufficiently in a first vending location, the “Crossroads” type ofvendible media product does rent sufficiently in a second vendinglocation. Based on that assessment, the vending personnel can storedinformation in database 304 that will indicate that a predeterminednumber of vendible media products of the “Crossroads” type are to bereallocated from the first vending location to the second vendinglocation. Thus, in step 437, the server determines whether the vendiblemedia products in the storage locations 391 are to be reallocated byquerying the inventory database 304. If it is determined that thevendible media products are to be reallocated, then in step 438 thevendible media products are delivered to a vending delivery module 238for reallocation according to the system and method described elsewhereherein.

If it determined in step 437 that a vendible media product is not to bereallocated (e.g., it is damaged, or is to be returned to a mediasupplier), then in step 439 the appropriate measures are taken byvending personnel to appropriate the vendible media product. Determiningwhether a vendible media product is not to be reallocated is also madeby querying the inventory database 304, wherein vending personnel canrecord information in the database 304 signaling that the vendible mediaproduct is not to be reallocated.

Referring now to FIG. 35, there is illustrated a system and method formarketing vendible media products. A first user input command isreceived, and it is determined whether a discount offer notification ispending. A communication for display on a user interface is generated,wherein the communication is structured to communicate an offer for atleast one of the vendible media products at a discount price.

A user input command is received at the vending location of the articledispensing machine 30, as illustrated in step 394. The user inputcommand can be a request by a user to rent a vendible media product suchas a DVD, a command to return a previously rented DVD or another type ofinput command such as a command to browse the vending inventory or learnmore about a vendible media product in the vending inventory. Thevending controller 300 then determines whether a discount offernotification is pending. The discount offer information can be stored ina local inventory database, or it can be stored remotely in the centraldatabase 304. In the latter scenario, the discount offer is transmittedfrom the central server 302 to the vending controller 300. In that case,the central server 302 makes the determination as to whether a discountoffer notification is pending.

A discount offer is an offer to sell or rent a vendible media product ata discounted price. For instance, if the normal cost of a DVD rental is$1.00 per day, a discount offer may be to rent the product at $0.50 perday. If the normal cost of a DVD purchase is $18.00, a discount offermay be to purchase the product for $12.00. Whether a discount offernotification is pending for any particular vendible media product ispreferably stored either in a central database 304, or in a vendingdatabase local to the vending apparatus 30. Alternatively, whether adiscount offer notification is pending or not can be determined at thetime of the receipt of the user request and therefore need not be storedin a database. If in step 395 it is determined that there is no discountoffer notification pending, the method terminates because no such offeris available to be transmitted to the user.

If, however, it is determined in step 395 that a discount offernotification is pending, then in step 396, a user interface is generatedby the vending controller 300, wherein the interface serves to receive auser input command to receive the vendible media product according tothe discount offer. For example, if the discount offer is to rent a DVDfor $0.050 instead of $1.00, as determined in step 395, then the vendingcontroller 300, in step 396, generates a user interface which notifiesthe user of that discount offer and receives the user's acceptance ofthat offer. The user interface can be presented using the audiovisualmeans previously described, such as the keypad and touch screen 234, 42.

In step 397, the vending controller receives, via the user interfacegenerated in step 396, a request by the user to accept the discountoffer. For example, the user may request to rent a DVD at a discountedrate of $0.50 per day or purchase a DVD at a discounted price of $12.00.In one embodiment, the discount offer is for a vendible media productthat has been previously delivered to the user. For example, thevendible media product may be delivered to the user as a rental at afirst time, and then when the user returns the vendible media product tothe vending apparatus 30, the vending controller 300 may generate adiscount offer for the user to purchase the rental product she isreturning at that second time. Based on the user's acceptance of thediscount offer in step 397, the discount transaction is processed instep 398 according to the transaction processing routine describedherein. For example, the local vending inventory is updated to reflectthe transaction, the transaction data is transmitted to the centralserver 302 and the vendible media product is delivered to the userthrough the article transfer opening 44. If the discount offer was for apurchase of a vendible media product, the product is then preferablyremoved from the local inventory database and the central inventorydatabase 304, as illustrated in step 399.

The present invention also provides a system and method for determiningwhether a discount offer will be provided for a vendible media product.A preferred basis for making that determination is having an oversupplyof a vendible media product in the inventory. For example, if thevending inventory contains 20 copies of DVD Title A, but only 80% ofthose copies are rented from the vending apparatus 30 at any point intime, the other 20% of the copies can be offered at a discounted rentalrate, or can be offered for sale at a discounted purchase price. In step400, the vending controller 300 determines whether the inventory of aparticular vendible media product exceeds a predetermined threshold. Thethreshold can be determined as a percentage of inventory that does notget rented or sold, or it can be a quantitative measure of an inventory.For example, if the predetermined threshold is 20 copies of DVD Title Aand 30 copies of that title are in the inventory, the vending controller300 will determine in step 400 that 10 copies of DVD Title A are to beoffered for discounted rental or sale. Alternatively, the analysis ofwhether the inventory exceeds a predetermined threshold can be made bythe central server 300, or manually by a user using a personal computer306 to access the control functionality of the remote control center viaInternet browser software. If it is determined in step 400 that theinventory exceeds the predetermined threshold, then in step 401 thediscount offer is generated.

In one embodiment, the discount offer is generated based on the genre ofa previously delivered vendible media product. The vending controller300 or central server 302 can, in step 395, determine the genre of avendible media product previously rented or purchased by the user andcan then offer discount offers for other vendible media products havingthe same genre. For example, the user can select to rent a DVD in step394, wherein the genre of the DVD is “comedy.” The vending controller300 or central server 302 can then, in step 395, offer discounted rentalrates to the user for other DVD titles that are also in the “comedy”genre, thereby encouraging the user to rent or purchase additionalvendible media products that have already been identified of potentialinterest to the user.

Referring now to FIG. 36, there is illustrated a vendible media productselection interface for the purchase of vendible media products such asDVDs. The user interface is preferably displayed on a touch screeninterface 243, 42. The user interface comprises a plurality of icons 410representing vendible media products. The user interface furthercomprises genre selectors 411, corresponding to a type of vendible mediaproduct. The genre selectors 411 allow the user to select a particulartype of product, thereby generating a user interface that will displayall of the vendible media products in that particular genre. Theinterface also comprises a “checkout” function 412, which allows theuser to view the vendible media products she has selected to rent and/orpurchase.

Referring now to FIG. 37, there is illustrated a vendible media productdisplay interface for the purchase of vending products such as DVDs. Theinterface comprises vendible media product information 413, whichprovides to the user a description of the vendible media product. Asillustrated, the vending product information 413 can comprise the titleof the product, its run time, a user rating, any restrictions such asMPAA ratings and a description of the contents of the product. Theinterface also preferably comprises an image 415 for promoting theproduct, such as a “splash screen” image or other promotional image. Theinterface also preferably comprises transaction details 414, such as theprice of the rental and/or purchase of the product, and the date bywhich the product is expected to be returned to the vending apparatus30. The interface also preferably comprises a transaction completionfunction 416, whereby the user can request to rent and/or purchase thevendible media product.

Referring now to FIG. 38, there is illustrated a transaction interfacefor renting and/or purchasing vendible media products such as DVDs. Thetransaction interface allows the user to select multiple vendible mediaproducts to rent and/or purchase, using a “shopping cart” functionalityknown to one of skill in the art. The interface comprises a list of aplurality of vendible media products that have been selected by theuser, wherein the list comprises detailed information 417 relating tothe selected vendible media products, such as the title of the productand the rental and/or purchase price of the product. The interface alsopreferably comprises a “remove” function 418, whereby the user may editthe list of selected products to remove a product she no longer desiresto rent and/or purchase. The interface also preferably comprises a“checkout” function 419, whereby the user can select to complete thetransaction to rent and/or purchase the products listed in theinterface.

Referring now to FIG. 39, there is illustrated a security interface forthe rental or purchase of a vendible media product such as a DVD. Thesecurity interface comprises a touch sensitive number pad 420, asillustrated, or a touch sensitive keypad. When the user providesfinancial information such as a credit card or debit card number,preferably by sliding the credit or debt card through a financial cardreader on the exterior of the article dispensing machine 30, thesecurity interface illustrated in FIG. 39 is preferably displayed,providing additional security to the transaction. The user can beprompted, as illustrated, to provide a security identifier associatedwith the financial account, such as the zip code associated with thebilling address of the financial account. Alternatively, the user can beprompted to enter a PIN or a CVV number using the number pad 420.

Referring now to FIG. 40, there is illustrated a promotional interfacefor use in renting and/or purchasing vendible media products such asDVDs. The promotional interface comprises an entry function 421 such asa touch-sensitive keyboard displayed on the display screen, asillustrated. The keypad allows the user to enter a promotional code,thereby entitling the user to a discount offer for the rental and/orpurchase of a vending product.

Referring now to FIG. 41, there is illustrated an electronic mailaddress interface, through which the user can provide an electronic mailaddress to which will be transmitted promotional offers, discount offersand/or offers for the sale of vendible media products. The interfacecomprises a touch-sensitive keyboard 421 displayed on the displayscreen, whereby the user can provide her electronic mail address. Theinterface also preferably comprises a denial function 422, whereby theuser can elect not to provide an electronic mail address to the system.

Referring now to FIG. 42, a user interface is illustrated forconfiguring an electronic mail message to be transmitted to auser-provided electronic mail address according to the system and methodfor selling vendible media products. The user interface is intended tobe used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personalcomputer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via theInternet browser software of personal computer 306. Through theinterface, the user can specify the text 423 of the electronic mailmessage that will be received by the customer user, and can also specifythe price portion 424 of the transaction data that will be transmittedto the customer. The user interface allows the administrative user toformat the presentation of a receipt for the transaction, asillustrated, and can also be used to transmit to the customer user anoption to purchase the vendible media rental product, or to rent orpurchase additional vendible media products at a discounted price. Theuser interface also allows the administrative user to view and, ifdesired, transmit to the user-provided electronic mail address paymentinformation 425 that has been provided by the user during thetransaction, and location information 426 specifying the vendinglocation at which the transaction occurred. It will be understood thatthe user interface provides a template for electronic mail messages, andneed not be accessed or modified by the administrative user for everyreceipt or discount offer. The template is used by an electronic mailapplication embodied in computer software executed by the central server302 to send the template to the customer users. It will be understoodthat the electronic mail application retrieves information from theinventory database 304 and enters the information from the database 304into the template and then automatically transmits the electronic mailmessage to the user-provided electronic mail address.

Referring now to FIG. 43, a user interface is illustrated for enteringinventory information to the inventory database 304, wherein theinventory information specifies a type of vendible media product. Theuser interface is intended to be used by an administrative vendingpersonnel user employing personal computer 306 and interfacing with thecentral server 302 via the Internet browser software of personalcomputer 306. The user interface allows the administrative user todetermine the information that will be displayed to a customer user atthe vending apparatus 30 pertaining to a particular type of vendiblemedia product. The interface allows the user to specify the title 442 ofthe vendible media product, and additional information 445 related tothe vendible media product, such as the actors starring in a DVD movie,the director of the movie and a description of the movie. The interfacealso allows the user to specify a user rating 444 or an MPAA rating 444that will be displayed to customer users. The interface also allows theadministrative user to specify a genre 447 of the vendible mediaproduct, and further to specify the quantity 448 of the vendible mediaproducts.

The quantity 448 of vendible media products entered into the userinterface can specify the quantity of that type of vendible mediaproducts located at a particular vending location, or the quantity thattype of vendible media product in aggregate throughout the vendinginventories of the vending apparatuses 30 or the quantity of that typeof vendible media product that will be ordered from a vendible mediasupplier and then delivered to the vending inventory of the vendingapparatuses 30. The user interface also allows the administrative userto specify an image 446 that will be displayed to the customer userpertaining to the vendible media product, such as a trailer image, ascreenshot or a promotional poster image.

Referring now to FIG. 44, a user interface is illustrated for viewingthe vending inventory at a vending apparatus 30. The user interface isintended to be used by an administrative vending personnel useremploying personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central server302 via the Internet browser software of personal computer 306. The userinterface is generated by querying database 304 to retrieve a listing ofthe vendible media products located in the vending inventory of aparticular vending apparatus 30. The user interface displays anidentifier 449 that uniquely identifies each of the vendible mediaproducts, such as a product identifier. The interface also displays atitle 450 of the vendible media product, and the physical status 451 ofthe product, indicating for example whether the vendible media productis prevent in the inventory, has been rented or is missing. Theinterface also displays a quantity indicator 452 that indicates thequantity of that type of vendible media product in the inventory. Forexample, if the quantity of that type of vendible media product in thevending inventory is below a predetermined threshold, the interface willdisplay that vendible media product supply as being “thin” or below thethreshold.

Referring now to FIG. 45, a user interface is illustrated for queryingthe inventory database 304 to retrieve vending information regarding thevendible media products. The user interface is intended to be used by anadministrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browsersoftware of personal computer 306. The interface allows theadministrative user to query the database according to the title 453 ofthe vendible media product, a vending location 454, a unique productidentifier 455 or a customer user name 456. Information stored in thedatabase 304 pertaining the query will be displayed in-the-userinterface, as illustrated in FIG. 46.

Referring now to FIG. 46, a user interface is illustrated for viewingand editing customer user information. The user interface is intended tobe used by an administrative vending personnel user employing personalcomputer 306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via theInternet browser software of personal computer 306. The interface allowsthe administrative user to view the customer's name 458 and a uniquecustomer identification code 457. The interface also allows theadministrative user to view the customer user's financial information459, such as the user's credit card account information. In a preferredembodiment, the customer user's credit or debit card number is stored inthe database 304, but the administrative personnel, as illustrated,cannot view the information via the interface. The interface also allowsthe administrative user to view and/or edit the customer user'selectronic mail address 460, and the customer user's aggregate data 461relating to the number of vendible media products that have been rentedand/or purchased by that customer user. The interface also allows theadministrative user to set a privilege 462 that will determine the typeof customer user; for example, specifying whether the customer user isable to rend vendible media products at the vending apparatus 30 orwhether the customer user is a preferred customer. It will be understoodthat any changes made via the interface can then be stored in thedatabase 304 for later retrieval via the interface or download to avending controller 300.

Referring now to FIG. 47, a user interface is illustrated for selectingvendible media products in a vending inventory of a vending apparatus 30that will be removed from the vending apparatus 30. The user interfaceis intended to be used by an administrative vending personnel useremploying personal computer 306 and interfacing with the central server302 via the Internet browser software of personal computer 306. The userinterface allows an administrative user to query the database 304 forvendible media products meeting an inventory description 463 such as thetitle of a type of vendible media product. The interface then displays alist of database 304 entries of vendible media products meeting thatinventory description 463. The interface displays the location 464 ofthe vendible media product, and allows the user to select a quantity 465of the vendible media product to be removed from the vending apparatus30. The administrative user then submits the information to the database304, and it is then downloaded to the vending controller 300. Theidentified vendible media products are then placed in a predeterminedlocation for removal from the vending apparatus 30 according to thesystem and method described elsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIG. 48, a user interface is illustrated for viewingvendible media products that have been rented longer than apredetermined period of time. The user interface is intended to be usedby an administrative vending personnel user employing personal computer306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browsersoftware of personal computer 306. The interface queries the database304 based on the rental time information 468 of the vendible mediaproduct descriptions stored in the database 304, and retrieves a list ofvendible media products that have been rented, and not returned, forlong than a predetermined period of time. The administrative user, viathe interface, may specify the predetermined period of time. Forexample, the user can select to view a list of vendible media productsthat have been rented and not returned for longer than one week. Theinterface then displays a product identifier 466 identifying thevendible media product, such as a unique product code or a title of theproduct. The interface also displays contact information 467 for thecustomer user, such as the user's electronic mail address, by which theadministrative user can contact the customer user to notify her of thelate status of the rented vending media product.

Referring now to FIG. 49, a user interface is illustrated for displayingpricing policy information for a plurality of vendible media products ata vending apparatus 30. The user interface is intended to be used by anadministrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browsersoftware of personal computer 306. It will be understood that the fieldsillustrated in the user interface are populated with data retrieved fromthe inventory database 304. The interface allows the user to specify apricing policy for a vending location, or for a particular type ofvendible media product. For example, the administrative user can use amedia selector 469 to determine a pricing policy for a particular typeof vendible media product, or can use a location selector 470 todetermine a pricing policy for a set of vending apparatuses 30 or anindividual vending apparatus 30. The interface allows the user todetermine a threshold of time 471 which will be considered a maximumrental period, beyond which the customer user will be charged for thefull purchase price of the vendible media product. The interface alsoallows the administrator user to determine a threshold cost 472 as amaximum rental period cost, beyond which the customer user will not becharged for the rental of the vendible media product

The interface also allows the user to specify pricing information 473,which defines a pricing policy for the rental and/or purchase ofvendible media products. As illustrated, the interface allows theadministrative user to customize the rental and/or purchase prices forvendible media products at a particular set or individual one of vendingapparatuses 30, according to periods of time such as days of the week.For example, the administrative user can, via the interface, establish adifferent rental price for Thursday as opposed to Friday, and adifferent late fee charge for those days as well. Using the interface,the administrative user can also thereby establish discount periods anddiscount offers based on the time periods. It will be understood thatafter the user submits the requisite information in the interface, thedata is then saved into the inventory database 304 and then downloadedto the vending controller 300.

Referring now to FIG. 50, a user interface is illustrated forestablishing a discount offer. The user interface is intended to be usedby an administrative vending personnel user employing personal computer306 and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browsersoftware of personal computer 306. It will be understood that the fieldsillustrated in the interface are populated with data retrieved from thedatabase 304. The interface allows the administrative user to determinethe number of times 474 the discount offer will be offered, and thevalue 475 of the discount offer. The interface also allows the user tospecify a duration 476 for the discount offer. The interface can alsoallow the user specify a particular type of vendible media for which thediscount offer will be offered, and/or a particular location at whichthe discount offer will be offered. It will be understood that after theuser submits the information via the interface, the information isstored in the database 304 for later download to the vending controller300.

Referring now to FIG. 51, a user interface is illustrated for displayingand/or editing information pertaining to users of the vendible mediadistribution system. The user interface is intended to be used by anadministrative vending personnel user employing personal computer 306and interfacing with the central server 302 via the Internet browsersoftware of personal computer 306. The interface allows theadministrative user to view and change information pertaining to bothcustomer users and administrative users. The interface allows theadministrative user to view identification information 477 pertaining tothe user, and contact information 478 pertaining to the user. Theinterface also allows the user to specify a set of vending apparatuses479 for which an administrative user is responsible for administering;via the same interface, the administrative user also view a set ofvending apparatuses 479 at which a customer user has transacted avending transaction for a media product. The interface also allows theuser to view and change a list 480 of vending apparatuses for which anadministrative user is responsible for administering, or a list at whicha customer user has performed a vending transaction. It will beunderstood that after the administrative user enters data into theinterface, that data is uploaded to the database 304 for later downloadto the vending controller 300.

Any process descriptions or blocks in figures represented in the figuresshould be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions ofcode which include one or more executable instructions for implementingspecific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternateimplementations are included within the scope of the embodiments of thepresent invention in which functions may be executed out of order fromthat shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or inreverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would beunderstood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described,it will be appreciated that changes and modifications can be made andthat other embodiments may be devised without departing from the truespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A system for communicating vending information for a vendible mediaproduct having entertainment content therein, comprising: a firstvending apparatus at a first location having a first vending inventory;a second vending apparatus at a second location having a second vendinginventory; and a control center in communication with the first andsecond vending apparatuses, configured to receive a vending request toobtain a vendible media product at the first location, wherein upon adetermination that the requested vendible media product is not presentin the first vending inventory, the control center selects the secondvending apparatus based on the proximity of the second location of thesecond vending apparatus to the first location, configured to determinewhether the vendible media product is present in the second vendinginventory, and configured to transmit an electronic message to auser-specified address indicating whether the vendible media product isin the second vending inventory.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second vending apparatuses comprise user interfaces forreceiving an identifier of a user who requests the vendible mediaproduct.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each user interface comprisesa card reader for receiving the identifier of a user who requested thevendible media product.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first andsecond vending apparatuses further comprise an article transfer openingfor vending the requested vendible media product to a user who requestedit.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control center is configuredto determine the second location based on a location identifier receivedfrom a user.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the vendible mediaproduct is a digital video disc.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thevending request is received from a user interface generated at a userclient computer at a remote location.
 8. The system of claim 1, whereinthe electronic message is an electronic mail message.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the electronic message is an instant message.
 10. Asystem for communicating vending information for a vendible mediaproduct having entertainment content therein, comprising: a plurality ofvending apparatuses, each containing a vending inventory comprised ofvendible media products; and a control center in communication with theplurality of vending apparatuses configured to receive user information,including a vending request for a vendible media product and a locationidentifier, configured to select a vending apparatus from the pluralityof vending apparatuses based on the location identifier, configured todetermine whether the requested vendible media product is in the vendinginventory of the selected vending apparatus, and configured to transmitan electronic message to a user-specified electronic mail address upondetermining that the requested vendible media product is in the vendinginventory of the selected vending apparatus.
 11. The system of claim 10,further comprising a central database containing informationcorresponding to the vending inventories of the plurality of vendingapparatuses.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the vending request isreceived from a user interface generated at a user client computer at aremote location.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the electronicmessage is an electronic mail message.
 14. The system of claim 10,wherein each vending apparatus further comprises a vending controllerconfigured to generate a signal to deliver the requested vendible mediaproduct.
 15. A system for communicating vending information for avendible media product having entertainment content therein, comprising:a plurality of vending apparatuses each containing a vending inventorycomprised of vendible media products; and a control center incommunication with the plurality of vending apparatuses and configuredto receive user information, including a vending request for a vendiblemedia product and a location identifier, configured to determine whetherthe inventories of more than one of the plurality of vending apparatusescontain the requested vendible media product, configured to identify theclosest vending apparatus containing the requested vendible mediaproduct in its inventory based on the proximity to the locationidentifier, and configured to transmit an electronic message to auser-specified electronic mail address identifying the closest vendingapparatus that contains the requested vendible media product in itsinventory.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the control center isfurther configured to transmit an electronic message to theuser-specified electronic mail address identifying the second closestvending apparatus that contains the requested vendible media product inits inventory.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the vending requestis further configured to receive a user request to reserve the requestedvendible media product at the closest vending apparatus that containsthe requested vendible media product in its inventory.
 18. The system ofclaim 15, wherein each vending apparatus further comprises a vendingcontroller configured to generate a signal to deliver the requestedvendible media product.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the controlcenter is further configured to send a signal to the vending controllerreserving the vendible media product upon receipt of a user request toreserve the requested vendible media product at the closest vendingapparatus that contains the requested vendible media product in itsinventory.
 20. The system of claim 15, further comprising a centraldatabase containing information corresponding to the vending inventoriesof the plurality of vending apparatuses.